Bentley R-Type Continental
1952–1955 · Bentley R-Type Continental — Grand Tourer, Inline-6, designed by John Blatchley.
The Story
The R-Type Continental is, for many, the most beautiful Bentley ever made — and when it appeared in 1952 it was also the fastest four-seat car in the world, capable of over 120 mph thanks to a tuned six and H.J. Mulliner’s aerodynamic fastback body. Only 208 were built. Today the best trade around $3 million.
It also has the finest literary provenance in motoring. In Ian Fleming’s Thunderball, James Bond drives an R-Type Continental — his ‘Locomotive,’ rebuilt by Mulliner from a wreck a ‘rich idiot had married to a telegraph pole on the Great West Road.’ Fleming, a true believer, even ordered a 1953 example for his friend Ivar Bryce, the real-life model for Bond’s ally Felix Leiter.
The Numbers
Benchmarked against its class
Each dial ranks this car within its Grand Tourer class — fuller means higher, and the tick marks the class midpoint.
Signature Colors
The Designer
John Blatchley
John Polwhele Blatchley was Rolls-Royce/Bentley’s chief stylist from the late 1940s to 1969 — responsible for the standard-steel saloons, the celebrated R-Type Continental fastback (aerodynamics by Ivan Evernden) and, as his last design, the Silver Shadow/T-Series.
Studio Motors POV
The most beautiful post-war Bentley and a bona-fide grail — fastest in the world, rarest of its kind, and James Bond’s own. When one surfaces, it’s an event.
The Engine
Rolls-Royce B60 Inline-Six (F-head)
Lineage
Where it sits in the bloodline
Market & Value
Values on cars like this move monthly. Our brokers price from real transactions.
What Reviewers Said About R-Type Continental
Worth Knowing About the R-Type Continental
3 Things You Didn’t Know
- 1. It was the fastest four-seat car in the world at launch — over 120 mph — and one of the most beautiful, an aerodynamic fastback by H.J. Mulliner.
- 2. In Ian Fleming's Thunderball, James Bond's car is an R-Type Continental — his 'Locomotive,' rebuilt by Mulliner from a wreck bought cheap.
- 3. Fleming ordered a 1953 R-Type Continental for his friend Ivar 'Felix' Bryce — the model for Bond's CIA ally Felix Leiter.
5 Fast Facts
- 1. Fastest four-seater in the world at launch; 120+ mph from a tuned 4.6→4.9 F-head six.
- 2. Only 208 built (1952–55).
- 3. Aerodynamic fastback designed by John Blatchley (aero by Ivan Evernden), bodied by H.J. Mulliner.
- 4. James Bond's car in Ian Fleming's novels.
- 5. Best examples now trade around $3,000,000.
Provenance
Owners & what to look for
Famous Owners
James Bond — fictional owner via Ian Fleming’s novels. Ivar ‘Felix’ Bryce — gifted a 1953 R-Type Continental by Fleming; the basis for Bond’s ally Felix Leiter. (Documented; silodrome / Fleming biography.)
Studio Buyer’s Brief
H.J. Mulliner fastbacks are THE body; later 4.9-engined cars (post-July 1954) are quicker. Matching numbers and provenance drive multi-million values — a genuine R-Type Continental is top-tier blue-chip.
Full Specifications
- Make / Model
- Bentley R-Type Continental
- Class
- Grand Tourer
- Production years
- 1952–1955
- Units built
- 208
- Variants
- H.J. Mulliner fastback sports saloon (the definitive body); also Park Ward, Franay, Graber & Pininfarina coachwork
- Engine layout
- Front
- Engine
- Inline-6
- Engine family
- Rolls-Royce B60 Inline-Six (F-head)
- Displacement
- 4,566→4,887 cc (4.6–4.9 L)
- Power
- 150 hp
- Torque
- lb-ft
- 0–60 mph
- 13.5 s
- Top speed
- 120 mph
- Power-to-weight
- 88 hp/tonne · 25 lb/hp
- Transmission
- 4-speed manual (auto later)
- Drivetrain
- RWD · Petrol
- Curb weight
- 3748 lb
Questions
R-Type Continental FAQ
What made the R-Type Continental the fastest four-seater in the world?
When launched in 1952, the Bentley R-Type Continental’s tuned F-head six-cylinder — displacing 4.6 litres, later enlarged to 4.9 — gave it a top speed of over 120 mph, making it the fastest four-seat car in the world. Only 208 were built across its 1952–1955 production run.
Who designed the R-Type Continental’s body?
The R-Type Continental’s aerodynamic fastback body was designed by John Blatchley with aerodynamic development by Ivan Evernden, then built by H.J. Mulliner in London. A small number were also bodied by Park Ward, Franay, Graber, and Pininfarina.
What is the R-Type Continental’s connection to James Bond?
After Bond’s Blower Bentley is wrecked in Moonraker, Ian Fleming briefly issued him a Mark VI before introducing a fictional Mark II Continental — described as a ‘Locomotive,’ a custom Mulliner rebuild on a Continental R-Type chassis — which appears in Thunderball and several subsequent novels.
What do Bentley R-Type Continentals sell for at auction?
At Bonhams’ Zoute Sale in October 2024, a 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental 4.9-litre Sports Saloon realized €391,000 including buyer’s premium — illustrating the established market for this 208-car production run.
Can you lease an R-Type Continental?
Yes, specialty lenders structure collector-car leases regardless of model year.
The Bentley Lineup
Explore every Bentley
3 Litre ’216½ Litre / Speed Six ’264½ Litre ’27Blower 4½ Litre ’29
R-Type Continental ’52S1 Continental ’55S-Type Saloon (S1/S2/S3) ’55S2/S3 Continental ’59
Mulsanne (1980) ’80Turbo R ’85
Continental R ’91Azure ’95Arnage ’98
Continental GT (1st gen) ’03Continental Flying Spur ’05Azure (2nd gen) ’06Brooklands (Coupé) ’08
Mulsanne (2010) ’10Continental GT (2nd gen) ’11Flying Spur (2nd gen) ’13Bentayga ’15Continental GT (3rd gen) ’18Flying Spur (3rd gen) ’19
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