1953 Bentley R Type Standard Steel Saloon

A comprehensive history of the car and a summary of the service work is available by following this link vintageandsportscar. com/rvschomepage/forsale/1952_Bentley_R_Type. htmlI would describe this Bentley as a very well presented solid driver. It has had the benefit of over $30. 00 of expenditures over the last 1. 00miles. The car was purchased from the Estate of a Rolls Royce/Bentley enthusiast who had owned the car since 1975. The car stayed in the UK until 1997. when the previous owner imported it to Canada. and gave it a cosmetic restoration and mechanical freshening. The car has been driven sparingly. but regularly. since with the owner recording each time he took the car out. and for what mileage. In the last year the car has had all the fluids replaced. the carbs cleaned. new wheel cylinders fitted. battery replaced and engine tuned. Body Condition: I would call it a competent body restoration that was done in 1997 and is holding up well. with no obvious flaws; paint is well-applied without masking marks. overspray or orange peel on straight panels. Documentation supports the fact that there is minimal filler. Gaps are slightly variable. but not horrible. The only evidence of corrosion is some very slight (won't even photograph) bubbling on the bottom of the LHS rear door. The car looks superb and only a very critical eye would differentiate it from concours. Interior: Original leather is dry but serviceable though the front passenger seat back rest has some splitting. Carpets are original and getting thin in some places. but no holes. and serviceable. New wool headliner fitted nicely. Refinished wood is Beautiful. Nice wheel. trim gauges - everything appears to work apart from the rear sunshade cord which has snapped and the shade material is mottled. Mechanical: Starts on the button. runs smooth and quiet. no smoke. good compression. Suspension a little soft. though no obvious worn components - suspect oil level in shocks. No leaks from the chassis lubrication system or rear shocks. though the central lubrication system needs to be bled after we just replaced a pipe fitting. Gearbox very quiet and with good syncros. Hydraulic and friction braking system including mechanical servo works perfectly. with mostly all new components. Chrome. lights and and trim: Very good overall. Slight ping to the top of the radiator. Some weather seals dry. but no leaks or stains in the interior. Now I know you can get projects or ex-wedding cars for almost free. but this isn't one of those cars!! False economy is a very appropriate term for a cheap Bentley or Rolls. This car has had the benefit of long term ownership. a lot of money spent on it. and careful documented use. And. I can't say enough about these cars as practical affordable classics. Now that even the crappiest sports cars are getting very expensive. this is a chance to enjoy a quality automobile. that has no problem keeping up with modern traffic. and generates a lot of positive interest where ever it goes. Not concours. but a car you can get in and drive anywhere. Please take a look at the link. and examine the summary of documentation. There is a 6" thick file that goes with the car as well as the original (worn) owners handbook. Also I am happy to discuss the car over the phone. Thank you