R-TYPE 1952-55

In 1952 the Bentley MkVI was revised – what we’d call a facelift today. The new model acquired a larger boot and other detail differences, becoming known as the R-Type. Although it was still mechanically identical to the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, the R-Type was also offered in elegant coupé form as the Continental (above), with bodywork created by Park Ward. Interestingly, the Bentley was still the most popular brand when compared to RollsRoyce, with the R-Type outselling the Silver Dawn by almost three to one, although at the time many customers considered the revised R-Type something of a stopgap.