Sold | 1954 Bentley R-Type – Entered from the Alyth Collection

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£2,500

1954 Bentley R-Type – Entered from the Alyth Collection

United Kingdom • 18 Mar 2026 • Lot 109

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1954 Bentley R-Type, part of the Alyth Collection, requires a total restoration after being stored for over 30 years. While dismantled, with some spares included, it presents a significant project, though the chassis is considered to have great potential, offering options for full restoration or use as a base for a special build.

Condition

2

The car is in a dismantled state and in need of total restoration. Some body panels will need to be sourced, and it's not currently running.

/ 10

Transmission:

Manual

Chassis No:

B181YA

Odometer:

25,721 miles

Reg Number:

PLB 63

RHD/LHD:

[RHD/LHD]

An obvious evolution of its Mk.

VI predecessor, the Bentley R-Type was introduced at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show.

Switching from riveted to welded frame construction at chassis B349TO, the newcomer featured independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes (hydraulic front and rod rear).

Powered by a 'big bore' 4,566cc straight-six inlet-over-exhaust engine allied to either four-speed manual or automatic transmission, the R-type was a surprisingly strong performer, able to reach more than 100mph.

Praised by the contemporary motoring press for its high-speed handling and well-appointed interior, the model remained in production until 1955 by which time some 2,320 are thought to have been made (though only 303 of those bore coachbuilt bodies).

Registered in London in July, 1954, and understood to have originally been painted Grey, this Standard Steel R-type, chassis B181YA, was eventually taken off the road i...