The 208 R-type Continentals produced by Bentley from 1951 to 1955 are among the elite post-war classic cars that became collectible almost immediately after production ceased.
These cars combined art, science, and engineering to achieve ultimate performance and refinement, making them a unique product of Crewe.
The Continental was not so much a silent sports car as a full-size, English interpretation of the gran turismo ideal.
Created to satisfy the demand for a faster post-war Bentley with a separate identity from the MkVI, the R-type Continental's power output was never disclosed by Bentley, but its torquey 'six' is estimated to produce around 158bhp.
At the time, it was the fastest genuine four-seater automobile in the world, capable of reaching 120mph.
Author's summary: Bentley R-type Continental embodies elegance and performance.