| Sports & Classics of Monterey Friday, August 15, 2008 - Saturday, August 16, 2008 |
||||||||
| 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback | ||||||||
|
||||||||
|
158 bhp, 4,566 c.c. inline six-cylinder engine, dual SU H-6 carburetors, four-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with wishbones, coil springs and an anti-roll bar, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 120" In the days immediately following the cessation of World War II, Rolls-Royce took the unprecedented step of commissioning hard tooling for what would become known as the Standard Steel Saloon – standard coachwork – for the majority of its model line. This move came when the Managing Director, Arthur Sidgreaves, recognized that new production methods and materials had outdated the marque’s traditional manufacturing techniques. In effect, continued commercial success required this fundamental shift in how the company constructed its automobiles. The first Standard Steel Saloon bodies were introduced on the Bentley Mark VI in 1946, following the proven Rolls-Royce practice of carefully updating its models in stages. The Standard Steel Saloon fulfilled the company’s commercial requirements, but not necessarily those of all its customers, and it was for this select and demanding clientele that the Bentley Continental was created. Initially named “Corniche II”, the new model was conceived as a fast, relatively lightweight grand touring automobile. However, once production commenced, the model name was revised to the “Continental Sports Saloon”, a revival of the prewar “Continental” designation. The Continental shared its basic chassis layout and many of its suspension, steering and braking components with the Mark VI, however, any similarities ended there. Fitting the bespoke nature of these cars, it is reported that the weights of each chassis varied somewhat, depending upon their individual specifications. As production continued, chassis weights were reduced, culminating in the all-welded chassis, which saved nearly 30 pounds, thanks to the elimination of rivets. The H.J. Mulliner Sports Saloon design was the product of an extensive joint effort between Mulliner and Bentley, with initial design consultation by Pinin Farina. Rolls-Royce designer John Blatchley extensively tested clay models of the new body design in the Rolls-Royce Hucknall wind tunnel facility, ensuring a low drag coefficient and stability at speed. The sleek bodies were easily distinguished by a fastback deck, tapered rear fenders and a curved windscreen , all in the interest of rapid and quiet high speed cruising. As well, the bodies provided a substantial weight savings, thanks to Mulliner’s expertise in all aluminum body construction. Series A, B and C cars were powered by an inline six-cylinder engine, with an aluminum cylinder head, six overhead intake valves, and six side exhaust valves, displacing 4.5 liters. This robust engine also utilized forged steel connecting rods, a forged nitrided steel crankshaft, cast aluminum pistons, and wet sump lubrication. Known as the B-60 engine, it produced 158 brake horsepower, thanks to dual SU H-6 carburetors, relatively high compression, and a large bore exhaust system. While the first 89 Continentals were equipped with four-speed manual gearboxes, the first automatic transmissions appeared midway through Series C production. Based upon the General Motors Hydra-Matic unit, the automatic transmission featured four forward speeds, wider ratio spacing than that of the manual gearbox, and a direct drive fourth gear. All automatic-equipped cars utilized a shift lever mounted on the steering column, and in all, 166 cars were fitted with manual gearboxes, while 42 examples were equipped with the automatic transmission. The sleek, lightweight bodywork, combined with the B-60 engine, as well as higher gearing and a modified suspension, combined to provide not only high-speed, long distance touring capabilities, but also surprising fuel economy of approximately 20 miles per gallon. The Bentley R-Type Continental was capable of sustained speeds of 80 miles per hour in second gear, 100 miles per hour in third, and over 120 miles per hour in top gear, perfectly meeting Bentley’s goal to provide the fastest, most comfortable, and best-appointed high-speed tourer on the market. Additionally, styling was understated compared to the Rolls-Royce and marked one of the early instances where the two companies began to differentiate themselves. In all, 208 of these fine motor cars found the favor of buyers during the model’s four-year production run. They have since proven their quality and concept, remaining among the most coveted and sought after acquisitions of knowledgeable collectors. The original left-drive example offered here, BC66LC, is one of a mere 77 Series C cars, and is one of only three examples originally constructed with left-hand drive and an automatic gearbox. Listed in The Continental Register, its provenance is very well documented. It was first dispatched to J.S. Inskip, Inc. in the United States in May 1954, and was immediately sold to Mr. John Dimick. Mr. Dimick retained the car until January 1964, when it was sold to Mr. B.R. Franko-Filipasic. In turn, Mr. Franko-Filipasic sold the car to Mr. Di Curio in 1980. In the early 1990s, Mr. Di Curio started a lengthy and exhaustive restoration that took some eight years to complete. In 2004, BC66LC was sold to a West Hollywood car dealer who quickly sold it to a noted actor, and upon his purchase, a complete engine rebuild and mechanical sorting was commissioned. Today, the car is reported to be “on the button”, and although the cosmetics are nearly ten years old, they remain excellent in overall presentation. A chrome strip along the beltline, a pair of fender-mounted chrome side view mirrors, and a set of rear fender skirts complement the rich burgundy finish. Appropriately, this stately yet sporting automobile features a set of burgundy painted steel wheels with chrome plated center caps, trim rings, and a set of period correct wide whitewall tires. Inside, the luxurious yet functional passenger cabin is trimmed in tan leather upholstery with burgundy piping, and contains an impressive wooden dash with beautifully inlaid edges and complete instrumentation. Meanwhile, the beautifully detailed trunk is trimmed in tan carpeting, and the expansive engine bay is carefully detailed as well. Bentley R-Type Continentals are renowned for their ability to reward their owners by effortlessly converting time into distance with timeless grace, comfort and style. The fine example offered here promises an accordingly elegant driving experience for its next fortunate owner, and it will continue to anchor any collection of fine automobiles. |
||||||||
|
||||||||