What's the history of the R-Type Bentley and how many were made?

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Accepted Answer

The Bentley R-Type was produced from 1952 to 1955 as the successor to the Mark VI, representing Bentley's second series of post-war automobiles. The R-Type was essentially a larger-boot version of the Mark VI and served as a transitional model before the introduction of the S-Series cars in 1955.

**Production Numbers:**
- **R-Type Continental**: Only 208 examples were built (plus one prototype), making it one of the rarest and most valuable Bentleys ever produced
- **Standard R-Type Saloons**: Approximately 2,300 to 2,320 standard steel saloons were produced
- **Total R-Type Production**: Around 2,500 to 2,550 cars across all body styles

The R-Type Continental was particularly special - it was the fastest production four-seat luxury saloon in the world at the time, capable of speeds over 100 mph. These Continentals were hand-built with aluminum bodywork by coachbuilders like H.J. Mulliner, who bodied 193 of the 208 Continentals produced.

The standard R-Type saloons were more numerous and served as the main production model, with about 85% being the factory 'Standard Steel Saloon' body style. These cars embodied the British luxury and refinement of the 1950s, powered by the same 4.6-liter straight-six engine that your 1954 example features.

Would you like me to help you find similar Bentley R-Types currently for sale, or do you have any other questions about this classic British luxury car?

Lot 9172: 1954 Bentley R-Type

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Lot 9172: 1954 Bentley R-Type

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