This 1954 Bentley R-Type Saloon is known as “Bertie” has been driven and enjoyed for 45,000 miles over the past 12-years by an enthusiastic RROC and DBC member.  As a reliable tour car and an award winner at RROC meets, this Bentley has been restored as needed while still retaining many original features.  If you are looking for a delightful tour car that can cruise comfortably at 65 miles per hour, Bertie might be a great fit!

Bertie was born as B66WH and was special ordered by The Car Mart, Ltd for CR Millbourn, Esq. for delivery in January 1954.  It was imported into the US to Philadelphia in about 1973.  It was then acquired by Terry Saxe from Rochester, WA.  By about 2011, Bertie had made its way to Surrey, BC, Canada to its present owner, Dave Baron.  For the past 13 years, Bertie has been driven regularly on tours and to various shows all over North America.  In 2019, Bertie benefited from a complete engine rebuild and in 2022 a complete repaint.

The “Big Boot” R-Types make for wonderful tour cars.  The large trunk allows room for luggage, the massive sunroof is a joy and the higher horsepower engine combined with the automatic transmission makes for comfortable touring.  The R-Type is not too large nor too small.  They love to be driven hard, handle well and are very reliable.

The livery is featured in its original color combination of Midnight Blue over Dove Gray.  The recent repaint is beautiful with excellent shine and luster.  Overall, the paint and exterior are what we refer to as tour quality but can be proudly displayed at most all concours events.  The chrome and stainless-steel trim are original and in very good condition.  There is light scratching from use, but overall, it is very nice and presents with a consistent patina. We love the Bridgestone black wall steel belted radial tires next to the Dove Gray wheel covers.

The interior is a blend of original gray leather with Dark Blue contrasting piping.  The two front bottom cushions have been refinished in new leather and the color match is spot on.  The seats are very comfortable and designed for cross country touring.  The original leather is dried and cracked, but still looks good and is consistent in its patina.  The newer Dark Blue Wilton wool carpeting has gray leather binding and is in overall very good condition.  The massive sunroof opens easily and is a pleasure to enjoy while driving.  The burl walnut is in overall good condition.  There are portions of cracked finish, but many of the highly visible sections have been refinished and is in nice condition.  The instruments work well, but the clock and radio are not working.

The engine compartment detailing is in nice condition.  The engine was detailed when it was completely rebuilt in 2019 and looks great today.  Many touring advancements include the addition of a spin on oil filter, radials, an electroinc ignition, LED brake and taillights and an auxiliary electric cooling fan (for mountains and traffic).  The flashlight is missing from the engine compartment, but replacements are available.  The 4.6 liter straight six-cylinder engine produces 130 hp and with its four-speed HydraMatic automatic transmission Bertie is a blast to drive.  The engine sounds great with nice power.  There is a slight lifter noise at certain RPMs.  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 chassis is mostly all original and has never really been cleaned or detailed.  the Bjur central lubricating system works well, and the rear leather gaiter leave spring covers are newer and in very good condition.  It does not have the rot that you often see in UK cars.

Bertie comes complete with many spares, including spare paint, leather dye, detailed service and repair receipts, owner maintenance logs and much more.  Included in the sale are the original jack and most of the large tools, the small tools tray with most of the small tools and the original Owner’s Handbook.

Bertie is ready to show, drive and enjoy. For more details and information please call or text Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com. The Bentley 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.