The Bentley R-Type Continental, introduced in 1952, was one of the fastest four-seat cars in the world and is often called one of the greatest grand tourers ever made. Built on the Bentley R-Type chassis with a lightweight, aerodynamic fastback body by H.J. Mulliner, it could cruise effortlessly at high speed across continental Europe — hence its name. Only around 200 were built, and it is the direct ancestor of today’s Continental GT.

R-Type Continental at a glance
Introduced 1952
Body Two-door fastback coupé, mostly by H.J. Mulliner
Engine Inline-six, about 4.6 litres, later 4.9 litres
Top speed Around 115–120 mph
Production About 200

A Bentley for the open road

After the Second World War, Bentley’s cars were based on Rolls-Royce designs, and the standard R-Type sedan was solid and comfortable rather than fast. Bentley’s engineers wanted to recapture the performance spirit of the 1920s. The answer was to keep the R-Type’s chassis and engine but give it a much lighter, wind-cheating body.

Aerodynamics before it was fashionable

The Continental’s fastback shape was developed with wind-tunnel testing, unusual at the time. H.J. Mulliner used aluminium framing and panels to save weight. The result was a car that looked elegant and could reach nearly two miles a minute — very fast for a four-seat luxury car in the early 1950s — with a relaxed, long-legged engine.

Built for the rich and fast

The R-Type Continental was among the most expensive cars of its day and was initially reserved for export markets. Owners included industrialists and wealthy enthusiasts who wanted to drive across Europe quickly. A few examples were bodied by other coachbuilders such as Park Ward and Graber.

Legacy

The R-Type Continental established the idea of the Bentley grand tourer: fast, beautiful, luxurious and capable of long distances. Its name was used on later Bentleys, including the S-Type Continental and the 1980s–1990s Continental R, and was revived for the 2003 Continental GT. Surviving R-Type Continentals are among the most valuable post-war British cars.

See one

R-Type Continentals appear at concours events such as Pebble Beach and the Greenwich Concours, as well as in major collections. Read more about Bentley’s history.