1953 Bentley R Type

This 1953 Bentley R-Type Saloon is a very well-kept driver which is fitted with a correct-type 4.6L inline-six. This 1953 Bentley has a history of being an awesome driver. Below is a story about this very car on its journey to the artic circle, from the 1990s!

Driving a 1953 Bentley R-type on a Sunday afternoon is enjoyable but taking one on an adventurous 6,500-mile journey from Northern California to near the Arctic Circle is really the experience of a lifetime. This trip took us through six states and three Canadian Provinces, going from the 38th parallel in California to the 62nd in Canada. We started in the vineyard-covered hills of Sonoma and traveled to the rocky terrain of Yellowknife - the capital of the Northwest Territories of Canada during September 2-28, 1997. To tour any further north of Yellowknife you would need to use a seaplane, helicopter, dog-sled, or snowmobile.

The highlights of the journey included the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, the Great Slave Lake in Canada's Northwest Territories, Alberta's agricultural Prairies, Glacier National Park in Montana, Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons of Wyoming. All of the scenery was a feast for the eyes and the heart. Even though we were unable to participate in the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge on September 6 - October 18, 1997 (about 10,000 miles) we really enjoyed the Canadian Fall tour.

Scenery

This 27-day tour was planned so we could see and experience the most scenic areas. We encountered almost every conceivable type of landscape and terrain. From the Mars-like terrain of Nevada to the frigid glaciers of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park in Alberta. Our route covered everything, from the Canadian Rockies to the rich farmlands of Alberta to the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park. At the 62nd parallel in the Yellowknife area, the trees rapidly decrease to low bushes - the tree-line is just north of Yellowknife. The Bentley took us First Class along the colorful aspen-lined roads which seemed to go on forever in the Northwest Territories to the curvy mountain by-ways past waterfalls, lakes, geysers, and hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. Wyoming.

While we were being mesmerized by all this natural beauty, the R-Type's 4.6 litre engine was purring along like a Rolls-Royce. Our trip was generally run at high elevations with numerous mountain passes in the 6,000-8,000 foot range. Places such as the Galena Summit (8,701 ft) in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho and Logan Pass (6,664 ft) in Montana were especially attractive.

Wildlife

The varied terrain was a wildlife watcher's paradise. The 44-year-old Bentley stopped many times along the roads so that we could watch the wildlife in its natural environment - bison, elk. foxes, coyotes, and mountain goats. Seeing a black bear and her two cubs feeding in the lush grass along the side of the road made this journey all the more memorable. We also observed the starting of waterfowl and other bird migration to the south.

Weather

The R-type responded extremely well to a wide range of weather conditions (and so did we). from the extreme heat in California (96 F) to the cool (26 F) windy days in the Canadian Rockies. We experienced about four days of thunderstorms during the 27-day journey.

When we reached the "end of the road" in Yellowknife (Northwest Territories) we were treated to an atmospheric phenomenon known as the aurora borealis or Northern Lights. This spectacular display of veil-like sheets of light dancing across the night skies gave one goosebump. This atmospheric show can be witnessed in the fall and winter only in the northern latitudes on clear nights.

People and Museums

Meeting a lot of interesting people along the way was a highlight of the trip. Hearing their perspectives on things was a rich experience. Never knowing what the next day would bring is an exciting part of touring in a Bentley. Having plenty of free time to look and really listen to what surrounds you is a rare pleasure. We enjoyed the Canadian Indian villages and visiting other museums that displayed local heritage.

Driving and technical aspects

A properly maintained car is the key to fully enjoying your Bentley or Rolls-Royce car on long tours. This trip was an enjoyable and trouble-free 6,500 miles and the R-type performed superbly under all conditions. We highly recommend that you follow the service manual and use authentic Rolls-Royce parts so as to maximize the enjoyment of driving your car. We did carry a few spares and tools but didn't need any of them on the 27-day trip.

Suspension: In order to enhance the ride, we suggest installing new front coil springs and that you re-arch the rear leaf springs if your car has not already been so treated. The new springs gave a tremendous improvement in smoothness and comfort, especially on unpaved, rough, and curvy mountain roads. The ride is truly awesome and almost whisper quiet By renewing the front and rear springs we increased ground clearance to about 5", an amount necessary on unpaved roads and in areas of major road construction.

We used 3-M Automotive Aftermarket Division Scotchcal (paint protection film) to protect the paint from chipping the front fenders and headlights. It comes in 2 inch wide strips (part no. is 84802) and 4 inches wide (part no. is 84804). This tape is clear and hardly visible. Most of the 150 miles of unpaved roads had loose gravel and debris.

Paint and chrome Protection: Prior to a long-distance trip protect your car with wax. Expect some rough weather and road conditions, such as unpaved roads, heavy rams, dusty and muddy areas. We have found that the complete line of Zymol products does a superb job in protecting your car's finish in rough driving conditions.

Altimeter. Our highest elevation was 8,700 feet above sea level at which the car performed. It's just nice to know your altitude. We found an accurate black and white altimeter that matched other dash instruments and we installed it on the steering column.

Road Impression of the Bentley R-type

The R-type standard saloons are very rugged, dependable and a pure pleasure to drive, handling almost like a sports car Their engine torque on steep mountains is more than adequate especially when fed through a 4-speed manual gearbox. The engine power even at high elevations (6,000 - 8,700 feet) is hardly diminished.

The R-Type handles really well on gravel roads and is very stable in wet conditions. They are comfortable and enjoyable cars for everyone. The good handling is also matched by the remarkable quality of the brakes. One should have no fear driving on steep mountain passes as long as the brake system is set up properly. The R-type is a superb and reliable car linked to what is essentially a pre-war body style.

Conclusion

We hope that Club members will take the opportunity to enjoy the unique and beautiful part of the world driving your Rolls-Royce

1953 Bentley R-Type Saloon 4-Speed

Based on the preceding Bentley Mark VI, the R-Type (or Mark VII) sports a substantially larger trunk than its predecessor. This example’s Blue paintwork is much more subdued than some of the combinations available on contemporary Bentleys. Brightwork appears to be in good condition,

In proper British fashion this car sports acres of burled wood, and all of it appears to retain a high level of finish with neat panel gaps throughout. While the R-Type would become the first Bentley to receive a 4-speed automatic transmission, this example is fitted with the 4-speed manual gearbox. The sliding steel sunroof is a standard-equipment item and can be seen in open and closed positions in the gallery below.

Interior fittings, including the leather upholstery, are all in very good condition with very little in the way of obvious cracking or wear. The original leather-bound owner's handbook has been retained as well.

Give us a Call at the Dallas Showroom at 817-310-9400