Steeped in design heritage rooted in aerodynamic research conducted at Rolls-Royce during the 1930s, the streamlined Bentley R-Type Continental reclaimed Bentley’s legendary performance heritage during the early 1950s. Following World War II and the return to civilian automobile production, H.I.F. Evernden and J.P. Blatchley were assigned the task of designing a lightweight, aerodynamic and beautiful new Bentley model capable of carrying up to four adults in comfort, at high speed, over long distances. After creating some lightweight bodies on the Bentley Mark VI chassis, coachbuilding firm H.J. Mulliner was contracted to design and construct the R-Type Continental prototype. The body itself and the window and seat frames were made of lightweight alloy, resulting in a four-place body weighing just 750 pounds, and the complete car less than 4,000 pounds. Refined aerodynamics included a reduced frontal area, sleek fastback roofline and discreet tailfins. Exhaustive road-testing resulted in modification of the gearbox to a direct-ratio top gear and a lowered rear-axle ratio for enhanced high-speed performance, taking full advantage of the Continental’s 4.9L/178 HP F-head 6-cylinder engine. The world’s fastest production four-seater in 1953, the R-Type Continental was capable of reaching 120 MPH. In print, the R-Type Continental gained everlasting fame as one of the original James Bond “007” cars in the wildly popular Ian Fleming books. Built from 1952 to 1953, the R-Type Continental was hand-built and superbly finished. Priced from $18,000 U.S. dollars new, most of the first examples were destined for America. A total of 207 R-Type Continentals were built, plus one prototype, an H. J. Mulliner Sports Saloon. Of the 207 “production” Continentals, 193 of them, including this example, numbered BC2LC, were fitted with the most desirable aerodynamic and lightweight alloy H.J. Mulliner fastback body design. Sold new to DuPont heir William Kemble Carpenter of Montchanin, Delaware, BC2LC is a rare, high-specification example, being one of 43 left-hand-drive Continentals produced, and of them, it is one of 34 produced with a 4-speed manual transmission. The 4566cc inline 6-cylinder engine, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, delivers an exhilarating drive. A restoration was completed in 2001. The Burgundy exterior finish is complemented by a tan interior, including Continental-specific lightweight seat frames. In addition to its rarity, high specification, gorgeous styling and fascinating provenance, BC2LC is accompanied by documented ownership since new and benefits from recent service work.
