1954 Bentley R-Type Park Ward

This motor car is being sold as part of an overseas collection. It has been imported from the Middle East under the Bonhams temporary admission customs bond. Car older than 30 years are subject to the lower rate 5% import tax if the car is to remain in the UK & purchased by a private individual.

The 5% is calculated on the final selling price. For example, if the car sells for £20,000, then £1,000 is added, making the total amount payable £21,000. Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% duty + VAT plus 20% import VAT.

A company buying the car will have to pay VAT on the hammer price, as well as duty + VAT. If you plan to export the car to your location, then you will only pay tax in that country, and can ignore these fees.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable.

Lastly, there will be a nominal administration fee of £350 for removing the car from bond and generating a NOVA from HMRC, and payable direct to the shipping company. A completed and processed NOVA will provide you formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK and is required to register the vehicle with the DVLA.

In common with the majority of cars in this collection, this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not tried to start or drive the car, so it will require recommissioning and is sold ‘as seen’. We cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality.

It is available for view and inspection at our HQ near Abingdon and we will be pleased to show the car to you and/or your appointed engineer.

Only 2,323 R Types were built, with just 295 having coach-built bodies.

This car is, we believe, the only LHD Park Ward-bodied Bentley R Type Coupé ever made.

So, this exceptional vehicle is beyond rare.

It is unique.

In common with most cars from the vendor’s collection it comes to us with no history or service records.

We know its chassis number is: B18LWH.

We know it was alive and well in New York in 2017 and joined the vendor’s collection later that year.

We know the odometer currently reads 74,591 kms.

We also have the following notes from classic car dealers Gullwing Motor Cars of New York on, we believe, the occasion of the car’s sale to the current vendor.

“This 1954 Bentley R-Type Park Ward Coupe LHD is the only example ever produced and wears a beautiful older restoration. Black over green with tan leather interior, this gorgeous car has been loved throughout its life and it shows. It's been under the same ownership for the last 30 and was restored 20 years ago. The restoration has held up very well and the car could be a candidate for Pebble Beach and other senior concours. It's also mechanically superb and drives excellent. An extremely rare find that is truly one of a kind, this Bentley is the ideal addition to any collection.”

We haven’t tried to start or drive the car and can therefore only attest to its cosmetic condition, but we’re pretty much in full agreement with the glowing praise heaped on the car by Gullwing Motors.

It really is a fabulous car and in stunning condition throughout.

The Park Ward bodywork is a joy to behold and is largely devoid of any dinks, dents or creases of note.

The black over green paintwork is very classy and has lost little of its gloss or shine.

The panel gaps and shut-lines are consistent and even and the doors close with all the weight and precision you’d want.

The chrome work throughout is bight, shiny and free from tarnishing, foxing or pitting.

The wheels seem to be in fine condition, as do the lights, badging and most of the exterior trim.

There are a few small spots of rust dust inside the grille at its base, and one or two paint chips on the bodywork between the bumper and the grille and on the n/s/f wing.

There is a small scratch on the n/s/f wing near the door and a tiny bit of bubbling at the base of the same wing by the chrome trim.

There are a few light scuffs around the front edge of the o/s/f wheel arch, a light scratch on the o/s/f wing and a small bubble beneath the o/s/r window.

There is a tiny crack in the paint and some bubbling at the base of the n/s ‘A’ pillar, a paint chip on the driver’s door and some frayed trim around the quarter light on the same door.

Rest assured, these are all very minor flaws in what is otherwise an extremely impressive and well-preserved exterior.

The interior is every bit a match for the exterior when it comes to quality and condition.

The tan leather upholstery is in excellent fettle, both front and back, and all seats are comfortable, supportive and free of all but the lightest creasing and signs of wear.

The carpets and mats look virtually brand new.

The wood veneers on the dashboard and door cappings are in very good order and the lacquer has neither cracked not faded.

The headlining is intact and taut.

The door cars are seemingly untroubled by time or use.

The steering wheel, dashboard, instruments and all interior fixtures and fittings look fine.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t tried to start or drive the vehicle.

Aside from a quick rub down with a damp cloth, there’s really no remedial work required in the interior of this car as far as we can see.

The undersides appear to have a plenty of structural integrity and we’ve seen nothing that concerns us.

You’ll want to see it for yourself before reaching your own conclusion.

The engine and engine bay are clean, tidy and everything looks to be in its right and proper place.

The car doesn’t come with a service history or any record of work done.

Currently, it has neither an MoT certificate nor a V5.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

Any paperwork shown in the gallery in no way constitutes any kind of licensing or registration certification.

We haven’t tried to start or drive the car so our understanding of it is somewhat limited.

That said, provided the car’s engine and mechanicals are in proper working order and amenable to recommissioning, we think this truly unique vehicle is one of the classiest and best-preserved coach-built Bentley R Types we’ve ever encountered.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £20,000 - £30,000, plus Bonhams bond payment and £350 NOVA fee.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.