1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback Left-Hand Drive

This 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner is a factory Left-Hand Drive example that retains its original matching numbers engine. Of the 43 left-hand-drive R-Type Continentals built, BC2LC is notable as one of just 34 originally specified with a manual gearbox, and one of only 11 equipped with the rare left-hand-drive-only column shift. Burgundy with tan leather, it wears a complete restoration carried out between 1999 and 2001.

Completed on March 4, 1953, BC2LC was sent to H.J. Mulliner and fitted with Fastback coachwork. It was originally finished in the seldom-seen combination of Pale Green over gray and green Connolly leather. Factory records show it was outfitted with lightweight seats, Wilmot-Breeden bumpers, twin fog lamps, and an S. Smith and Sons Radiomobile radio.

The R-Type Continental was sold new to DuPont heir William Kemble Carpenter of Montchanin, Delaware. A true sportsman who enjoyed yachting and competitive sportfishing, Carpenter also had a passion for high-performance automobiles: in addition to this Bentley, he owned several Pinin Farina-bodied Ferraris, including a 500 Mondial, 375 America, and 410 Superamerica. Shipped from London to New York aboard the SS Andria in September 1953, the Bentley did not remain long with Mr. Carpenter. In 1954, it was consigned to Bill Frick Motors in Rockville Centre, New York, and sold that summer to John Hays. By January 1955, it had been acquired by Dr. Samuel L. Scher, the renowned New York plastic surgeon and collector who assembled an extraordinary stable of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars. In 1963, presumably during the ownership of Harold Kaye, the car returned to England, where it was refurbished by Reall Coachbuilders Ltd. of Slough. Later in the 1960s, it crossed the Atlantic again to join the collection of Irwin E. Friedman, a prominent attorney in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 1971, Friedman sold BC2LC to John Seward Johnson II, a well-known sculptor and heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune. During his long-term ownership, the car was sparingly driven and eventually sold at Christie?s Pebble Beach Auction in 1998. A subsequent owner, Dr. Frank E. Gump, commissioned a complete restoration carried out between 1999 and 2001, finishing it in the elegant burgundy over tan color scheme it wears today. Since 2003, the car has been part of two private East Coast collections, enjoying continued careful use.

Owned by knowledgeable collectors for more than half a century and maintained in good, serviceable condition, this highly regarded R-Type Continental Fastback represents the pinnacle of mid-century luxury motoring. Its beautiful styling, smooth powertrain, and refined road manners create an experience that transcends its peers. As a capable and elegant machine, this Bentley rightly deserves a place in any top-tier collection.

Coachwork by H.J. Mulliner
Elegant, Tastefully Restored Example of an Iconic Bentley Model
One of Only 207 R-Type Continentals Built; Just 43 in Left-Hand Drive
Factory Equipped with Lightweight Seats, Manual Gearbox, and Radio
Delivered New to DuPont Heir William Kemble Carpenter
Provenance Includes Dr. Samuel L. Scher and John Seward Johnson II
Maintained in Private East Coast Collections for the Past 25 Years

Stock #25703
Price: $995,000