The 1952-1955 Bentley R-Type was a revised version of the Bentley Mark VI with greater engine displacement and a longer tail for the standard-body sedan. The series was offered with optional Rolls-Royce/GM Hydra-Matic automatic transmission beginning in 1952, which became instantly more popular than the manual gearbox.

This 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental coupe was part of the 1952-55 Bentley R-Type series.
1953 Bentley R-Type Continental coupe.
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Styling and mechanical changes paralleled those made to the look-alike Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn. Maximum speed was now over 100 mph but was not that much faster than the Bentley Mark VI.

Pluses of the 1952-1955 Bentley R-Type:

  • More luggage space than Mark VI
  • Optional automatic-shift convenience
  • A Milestone car

Minuses of the 1952-1955 Bentley R-Type:

  • Standard bodies rot-prone
  • Custom body replacement panels unobtainable
  • Costly to maintain, acquire, and restore

Production of the 1952-1955 Bentley R-Type:
2,320

Specifications of the 1952-1955 Bentley R-Type:
Wheelbase, inches: 120.0
Length, inches: 210.0
Weight, pounds: 4,200
Price, new: NA

Engines for the 1952-1955 Bentley R-Type:

Type Size Horsepower Years
F I-6 4,566 cc (279 cid) 130* 1952-1955

*Actual output not quoted; estimated net horsepower

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