Chassis No. BC38D
Engine No. BCD37
Body No. 5752

All Continental chassis numbers begin with the “BC” prefix, denoting Bentley Continental, followed by a consecutive sequence that omits “13” and is completed by one of five suffix letters—A through E. Chassis BC38D has the added appeal of coming from the late D and E series cars, which benefit from the added power provided by the enlarged 4.9-liter inline-six compared to the early 4.6. Following the completion of its chassis at Crewe, the Continental was shipped to H.J. Mulliner to be outfitted with Sports Saloon coachwork, the same body design as the R-Type Continental prototype. During its production, the car was specified with scuttle aerial, one fog light for the “offside,” one long range driving lamp for the “nearside,” dash heater, rear blind, slit pockets in the doors, and an organ-type accelerator pedal offset to the right by ¾-inch. Notably, the rarely seen four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission option was selected, which not only aided its ease of operation in London but also gave the car a higher top speed than the manual transmission due to different gear ratios. To ensure only the finest quality work, Bentley representatives supervised body construction, after which each completed car was rigorously tested and inspected before first delivery.

Once the testing was complete, this Bentley was sent to George Newman & Co of London and delivered on 1 January 1955 to Samuel John Harris Esq. of Cinema Press Ltd., where he registered the Continental at both his home address and at "The Cinema" in London's fashionable West End. Following Harris, the car went to Guy Howard Martineau, who previously was the U.K. importer and distributor of the French-built Salmson Motors. The Bentley then passed through a chain of documented owners until January 1964 when it was acquired by Aubrey D Forshaw, the Managing Director of Pan Books, who were the publishers of the paperback editions of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels. Forshaw wasn't just simply Fleming's publisher. Forshaw was Fleming's expert on Bond's cars and possibly drew inspiration to purchase chassis number BC38D from the description of Bond's “The Locomotive” as described in three of the novels.

Previous research shows that this Bentley entered the Fouladi family collection in 1980, where by 2005 it was under the care of Darius Fouladi. Under their care and years of faithful service, Bentley was taken to the experts at Clark and Carter of Cressing, Braintree, Essex, for a major service in August 2014. This work included overhauling the front suspension, repairing the exhaust, and replacing the water pump. The engine sump and the brake system required repairs, and the front wheel cylinders were replaced, and the brake servo was overhauled. In total, nearly £18,000 was on this major mechanical service. Before the end of the year, the car is noted as passing to his now ex-wife, Fary Mythen Fouladi, with it being acquired by the current owner and consignor in July 2024 after a remarkable 44 years under the care of a single family.

With low production and exceptional design, the Bentley R-Type Continental is a cornerstone of any significant Bentley collection. Celebrated for effortless high-speed touring, it pairs a smooth 4.9-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a rarely seen automatic transmission with exemplary road manners. Widely regarded by enthusiasts as the model to own and drive, it offers its next custodian rarity, timeless elegance, rewarding driving experience, and its connection to none other than James Bond's “The Locomotive.”

PREVIEW DETAILS:
This lot will be available for viewing at Bicester Heritage. Please contact a Broad Arrow specialist to arrange an appointment.

SALE LOCATION:
United Kingdom

BUYER'S PREMIUM:
10% + VAT on the Hammer Price

TITLE/REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS:
UK V5C

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
N/A

POST-AUCTION REMOVAL AND STORAGE:
Following receipt of payment, collection can be arranged by appointment only from Bicester, United Kingdom with 24 hours' notice.