This is a 1953 Bentley R-Type Park Ward Drophead Coupe (DHC) that drives very well and is one of the most iconic Post-War Bentley designs.  This RHD example has been enjoyed by one family for the past 44 years in Colorado.  The Park Ward Drophead Coupes were very rare and are considered very collectable.  These are excellent driving and relatively nimble for its size. This is ready to be enjoyed as it is presently or restored as desired.

This Drophead Coupe is one of Park Ward’s Design 99 and the chassis was delivered to Park Ward on January 23, 1953.  The craftsmen at Park Ward built B137SP for Mr. Hector Lang for the Edinburgh Biscuit Works and it was delivered new on May 22, 1953.  The Bentley was enjoyed by Mr. Lang until it was acquired by Mr. D.D. Robinson of Wednesbury on June 30, 1961.  Mr. Lang had ordered a Bentley S2 Hooper Saloon to replace the Drophead.  By the 1970’s, the Bentley had made its way to Colorado and was owned by Dr. Hassan.  Dr. Hassan was quite infamous for a period and desired a four-door saloon.  Mr. Leslie Shapiro traded his 1956 Bentley S1 Saloon and some supplemental funds for this Drophead Coupe.  Mr. Shapiro set out on a complete repaint and further restoration work and by about 2001 had gifted it to his son, Mr. Laurence Shapiro of Aspen and Vail, CO.  The Bentley has been enjoyed on at least two cross country trips and has been regularly used and enjoyed.

The livery was refinished in a lovely Ivory over a Pale Green two tone with beautiful original chrome and stainless-steel trim.  The paint is in overall good condition considering its age and, really looks stunning outside while driving it.  The black canvas Haartz cloth power convertible top looks as new and belies its age as it was installed in about 2001.  The electric convertible top works very well.

In our opinion, the white walled tires would be better off replaced with black walled radial tires.  This is a quick and easy upgrade.  The chrome and stainless-steel trim are in surprisingly great condition.  There are no signs of pitting or dents, showing that this Bentley has been cared for and cherished.  We love the enormous fender skirts that create the gorgeous sexy curves that starts at the front fenders and continues through the entire length of the car.  This looks much more like French coachwork than English.  Thank you, Park Ward.

The interior is largely original in its Black Leather which is in very nice condition.  The leather is without cracks and has a lovely patina.  The luscious dark wood is also original and in excellent condition.  The black carpet is also in very nice condition.  It is difficult to discern exactly which portions of the interior are original versus an older restored example.  But overall, the interior has a nice consistent patina and presents very well.  The instruments work well, and its radio has been removed from the dashboard.

The engine compartment has been detailed but over the years has been painted with more black than original.  It looks quite presentable but not appropriate for RROC judging, etc.  The 4.6 liter straight six-cylinder engine produces 130 hp and with its four-speed manual transmission is a blast to drive.  The engine sounds great and even in 105-degree F temperatures runs very cool.  Its 120-inch wheelbase makes it easy to maneuver and a delight to drive.  This Bentley has a wonderful road feel.  The RHD steering is very stable and has little play.  The transmission linkage is a little loose and it tends to pop out of reverse in short order.  The chassis is all original and has never really been cleaned or detailed.  There is the normal rust in the inner rocker panels and under the car from its early life in the UK.  These are non-structural and easily repaired, if so desired.

This Bentley comes complete with most of the large tools, its jack and spare, its torch (flashlight), its Owner’s Handbook, Service Manual and more.  Also included is a large file of receipts and historical records.

We have this Bentley priced right.  The Hagerty Values for this are $228,000 for a No 1, $193,000 for a No. 2, $157,000 for a No. 3 and $112,000 for a No. 4.  This is the Hagerty Values website: 1953 Bentley R-Type Coachbuilt | Hagerty Valuation Tools

For more information and details, please call or text Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com. This Bentley R-Type is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.