Description:

A 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Chassis number BC30D
Engine number BC D-29

The iconic aluminium bodied Bentley R-Type Continental launched in 1952 has streamlined 'fastback' coachwork by H.J.Mulliner. Its 4.9 litre engine was capable of achieving 100 mph in third gear and continuing on until reaching almost 120 mph, making it the fastest four-seater car of its day. Elegant and refined, the aristocratic design by John Blatchley is at the same time understated - the quintessence of high-speed luxury.

Chssis BC30D was completed on the 9th August 1954, road tested on the 22nd October 1954 and then shipped from London to Melbourne via the S.S Australia Star on the 24th November of that year, to be sold by the agents Kellow Faulkner. This Bentley was featured as "the pride of the show" at the 1955 Melbourne Motor Show. It was purchased on the 1st June 1955 by Dorothea S.Lewis, second wife and widow of William Howard Horatio Lewis (1868 -1939) erstwhile racing cyclist, caretaker of the Warehouseman's Cricket Ground, and along with Harley Tarrant the first in Australia to manufacture a workable petrol driven car (1901 - 1906).

Upon the death of Mrs Lewis the R-Type was purchased by Tom Barr-Smith on the 1st June 1970. Under the ownership of Barr-Smith, BC30D underwent a bare metal respray from its original colour, Shell Grey, to Olive Green with yellow coach lines, as it is still presented today. On the 4th February 1974 it was purchased by Mr Terry Reid, and then on the 8th September 1976 passing to Dr J.L.Townsend before coming into the current family ownership on the 9th May 1977.

BC30D has been meticulously maintained and has also been a vehicle that has been used on a regular basis. Incredibly original and with beautiful patina, this is the only Bentley R-Type Continental ever delivered new to Australia. Features of this remarkable vehicle (Body number 5744) include automatic gearbox, light-weight seats still in their original read leather trim, Wilmont Breedon bumpers, Colonial front springs, HF horns and dual heaters.

This Bentley R-Type Continental was first sold at the Royal Exhibition Buildings, Melbourne in 1955 for 8,900 pounds and is now available, with its original owners handbook, from the same location once again to what will be just its sixth owner, being offered for sale via auction for the the first time in 37 years.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

All lots must be paid for and collected by 4pm AEST Monday 8 November. Unfortunately we cannot arrange shipping from this location, however we can arrange the goods to be removed to our rooms at the buyers expense.

25 October 2014 19:00 ACDT
Melbourne, Australia

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$1 - $100,000:
15.50%
$100,001 - $500,000:
13.00%
$500,001+:
8.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
A$0 A$49 A$5
A$50 A$99 A$10
A$100 A$499 A$20
A$500 A$999 A$50
A$1,000 A$1,999 A$100
A$2,000 A$4,999 A$200
A$5,000 A$9,999 A$500
A$10,000 A$19,999 A$1,000
A$20,000 A$49,999 A$2,000
A$50,000 A$99,999 A$5,000
A$100,000 A$199,999 A$10,000
A$200,000 A$499,999 A$20,000
A$500,000 + A$50,000