Sold | 1953 Bentley R-Type Two-Door Saloon by James Young

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£7,000

1953 Bentley R-Type Two-Door Saloon by James Young – Entered from the Alyth Collection

United Kingdom • 18 Mar 2026 • Lot 83

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1953 Bentley R-Type, one of only 11 with James Young coachwork, was stored for 30+ years and is offered as a worthwhile project. It requires mechanical and cosmetic reconditioning, but appears complete and potentially rewarding for restoration.

Condition

5

The car appears to have been stored for many years and needs a careful engine overhaul. The interior and woodwork should be saveable, and there's no severe damage to the interior or bodywork. There is a need for reconditioning, but it is a worthwhile project.

/ 10

Manual

Transmission:

B391SP

Chassis No:

Odometer:

61,071 miles

NYT 233

Reg Number:

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).

This extremely graceful R-type, chassis B391SP, is one of only eleven coachbuilt by James Young of Bromley with its Design No.

C18 two-door Saloon body.

It was origin...