Bentley R Type Price Guide

The Bentley R Type refined the Mark VI formula with a larger, more shapely boot that transformed the car’s proportions and practicality. It also introduced the R Type Continental, the most celebrated Bentley of the post-war era and one of the most beautiful grand touring cars ever made.

The Car

Produced from 1952 to 1955, the R Type used the 4,566cc inlet-over-exhaust six as standard, later available with an automatic gearbox option. The standard saloon body was a development of the Mark VI’s with the revised fastback boot line. Around 2,320 were built. The R Type Continental, with its flowing Pininfarina-influenced body by H.J. Mulliner and an output raised to around 178bhp, could reach 120mph. This made it the fastest genuine four-seat closed car in the world at the time. Just 208 Continental bodies were made.

Buying

The standard R Type is the more accessible option. The Continental is a museum piece. Any R Type benefits from Bentley’s heritage support and the established Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist network.