The 1952 R Type Bentley – sister to the Rolls Royce Silver Dawn.

The R Type is the second series of post war Bentley automobiles, replacing the mark VI. Essentially a larger-boot version of the Mk VI, the R type is regarded by some as a stop-gap before the introduction of the S series cars in 1955. As with its predecessor, a standard body was available as well as coach built versions by firms including H.J. Mulliner & Co, Park Ward, Harold Radford, Freestone & Webb and others.

Other than the radiator grilles and the carburation there was little difference between the standard Bentley R Type and the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn. The R Type was the more popular marque, with some 2,500 units manufactured during its run to the Silver Dawn's 760.

ABOUT THIS CAR

• 4566cc straight six engine
• compression ratio 6.4 to 1 Twin SU carburettors
• O/H Inlet and side valve exhaust
• Manual 4 speed with R/H gear shift
• Independent front suspension
• Semi Elliptocal springs & hydraulic shockers at rear with adjustable Ride control
• This car was ordered and delivered new to the famous English actor Ronald Coleman (Oscar winner 1947) for his attendance at the coronation of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953. It was then shipped to Hollywood where it was first registered in Ronald Coleman's name. He kept it on his ranch in San Ysidro, California until he died when it was subsequently sold. It had since two more owners in the US and one owner in New Zealand for the last 22 years.
• This car was partly restored, the rear hides are original but the the front hides were renewed and the car was also resprayed.
• It had a reconditioned engine fitted in the USA before the car came to New Zealand in 1992. Further mechanical work to the suspension and the steering system was carried out.
• The car was graced with another film star, Dinah Sheridan, who starred in the movie "Genevieve" where she rode in the car for part of the Auckland to Christchurch Rally 1n 1997.
• For some time this car was exhibited in the Queenstown Motor Museum but was used regularly in recent years.
• HEAPS OF PROVENANCE HERE!!!

Car is in Mint Condition throughout and drives excellently. A gem of a motor car and probably one of the finest examples of a Bentley R type currently available.

Servicing & Maintenance records available. Serviced in New Zealand by Bentley & Rolls Royce specialists - Bruce McIlroy.

Car will be sold WOF'd and Registered if sold in New Zealand.

TRANSPORT / WORLDWIDE SHIPPING CAN BE ORGANISED ON THIS VEHICLE ON BUYER'S BEHALF AT BUYERS COST.

Viewing is STRICTLY BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT only.

DISCLAIMER

At Waimak Classic Cars, our principal interest is to ensure the preservation of classic and vintage vehicles.

Please remember that our vehicles are many years old, often with further previous owners. Many have been bought by us recently. We cannot know exactly what repairs or maintenance has been done although we do our best to obtain log books and copies of invoices of work done, when, and by whom.

Our descriptions are based on our own observations and knowledge and we look for the best examples we can find.

Indicated mileages are based on the records showing with NZTA and / or the vehicle's odometer reading. Because of the age of the vehicle, this can never be guaranteed.

Our inspections are generally non-invasive. Our description is based on a visual inspection and on information supplied to us by third parties.

Any sale is on the condition that the purchaser relies on his/her own judgment and does not rely on our skill or judgment or on any representation made by us. This applies even if the Buyer has not inspected the vehicle before purchase.

We strongly recommend that you have the vehicle inspected by an independent assessor qualified to comment on the particular vehicle's condition. If you are unable to organise this, then this can be organised on your behalf, at your cost.

We are proud of our reputation. However, no older vehicle can be expected to be as reliable as a new one and so all our vehicles are sold on an as is where is basis. Mechanical breakdowns, electronic failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs are part and parcel of the ownership of classic and vintage vehicles. Reliability is a combination of the particular vehicle, how it has been driven and maintained, and luck.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 3106485 / +64 (0) 274 990020. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected]  anytime.