FOR SALE VIA PUBLIC AUCTION
Sunday 27 June, 2.30pm

ASB Showgrounds, Auckland
All lots are subject to a buyer’s premium of 15%+GST

Further info available on our website.

Closely related style-wise to the Bentley Mark VI, the R-Type first saw the light of day at the 1952 London Motor Show. Essentially, the Bentley Mark VI became the R-Type for no other reason than the fact that chassis numbers had by that time reached the letter ‘R’. With a larger boot, luggage capacity increased to 17.4 cubic feet and the entire car lengthened by 7.5 inches. The boot lid was hinged from the top and rear suspension modified to cope with the increased load due to these enhancements. An automatic choke replaced the hand throttle and choke of the Mark VI. The trusty General Motors inspired Hydramatic transmission was an option. The car represented here, however, features a manual gearbox.

From time-to-time Webb’s are entrusted with a vehicle that has extensive correspondence and financial information to support its provenance. This R Type is such an example. Sold new by Grove Garage, Cheltenham on 6 July 1953, with the registration MD9490, the car passed a week later to Lord Dulverton of Moreton-in- Marsh, Gloucester. On 4 January 1958 Lady Victoria Dulverton was listed as the next owner. On 4 September 1962, ownership passed to Hugh Foster, whose address was listed as care of the Commercial Bank of Australia, London. Amongst the letters in a lengthy file that accompanies the vehicle is one from the good lady to Hugh stating that she was sad she’d missed him when he called upon her in Chelsea recently. She also mentioned missing the Bentley, although she was glad it had gone to a good home, and that she was now driving a Rover.

On 4 March 1962, the Bentley was shipped to Lyttelton per the RMS Pipiriki, arriving and registered on 18 January 1968. There is a plethora of writings between Mr Foster and the folks at Bentley enquiring about parts, including a letter dated May 1968 when he ordered some touch up paint that was priced by the pint. He also complained about the quality of service from the local branch of the NZ Motor Corporation, suggesting that they were more interested in promoting the sale of the Austin and Morris brands than helping him. This wonderful tone persists thru the file not at all like the brief and often terse emails of today.

In 1980 a well-known Wellington engineer purchased the vehicle, and it is from this family that Webb’s present it for sale. Bearing 142,000 miles, and in effect just three owners, this is a rare and wonderful piece of British motoring at its finest. The engine has had a full re-condition. The paint likewise, albeit some 20 years ago. It still retains a good lustre. In its time the Bentley R Type was a very expensive motor car that was designed and built to standards unmatched by any other manufacturer of the era. Today it is still a masterpiece, exhibiting the fullness and competence of a successful design.