*** Wanted very nice R Type Bentley 1953 to 1955 ***

James Costa · Joined: 04 Dec 2015 Posts: 16

I am looking for a very nice R type Bentley 1953 to 1955 automatic
I might be willing to do slight repair
First choice is an automatic

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 11:26 am Post subject:

There are some nice looking cars out there, and a number of good, in a cosmetic sense, examples.
Too many are "wiped over" rot boxes, even when sold on commission by the better trade establishments, and there is no such condition as a "slight repair" with any of them.
Quite a number have been fitted with the Continental ratio back axle gears, and none of these cars are quick of the mark, which makes an automatic example with the 13:40, as sluggish as an awkward pig, until you wind up the revs, on the move.
Fuel consumption is typically 12/14 mpg even with the 13:40 axle.

The aluminium fuel tanks, "rust" through where the canvas lined support straps hold the damp road salt against the bottom of the tank.

For excellent service try Royce Services, or N Sandell, and do not rely on anyone who has just drive tested the car and never seen it up on a garage ramp to pass an opinion.
You really need to drive such a vehicle, even with an inspectors, plus a new MOT certificate over at least a weekend and for 300 miles, before parting with the cash.

I have had s--- heaps on my premises over a period of weeks, that have cost their owners over £35,000, to buy..

John Robins · Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 2:29 pm Post subject:

You say nothing about your own level of expertise in the cars, your expectations of them, or your reasons for wanting to own one. Everything Mr C has said is gem-quality information, but I would venture to add the following.

Because these cars are now between 60 and 63 years old and are made of materials which degrade in every possible way they are potential money pits, and the fact that they are made to R-R standards does not increase their longevity that much, but does increase the cost, both of the part and frequently the time required to fit and fettle it. Some of the design philosophy used is plain awkward, and seems to have been used not regardless of cost and complexity, but in spite of it.

I'm sorry if this is preaching to the converted, or teaching granny to suck eggs, but if you want photographs of an R-type that exhibits every malaise known, please let me know.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 2:35 pm Post subject:

Ditto that, Mr Sapphire.

John Robins · Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 2:50 pm Post subject:

Don't get me started on those!

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 3:35 pm Post subject:

The cars, or the Metropolitan Vickers jet engine also that became the A.S. Sapphire.

John Robins · Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 4:07 pm Post subject:

The cars, always fancied a 234 as a sort of traffic light hotrod, but I suppose a ZA Magnette with a tuned B engine would be a lot cheaper and easier to maintain.

Paul Spencer · Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 9:01 pm Post subject:

Yes, any car that age may have problems, but there is a risk that people who see a lot of the bad ones will put others off unnecessarily. If I knew what I know now, perhaps I would never have bought my 3 Litre. Then I would not have had the amazing experiences I have had with it, nor made the many good friends I have through the club.

I nearly killed myself sailing this year, but that isn't going to put me off either.

So I think potential buyers need to be aware of the potential problems, but use that knowledge as a way to make sure you get a good one rather than to put you off.

James Costa · Joined: 04 Dec 2015 Posts: 16

I had a 55 r type with an automatic in 1982 and just loved the car
I don't remember the sluggish acceleration you refer as being a problem but manual would be the second choice.
12/14 miles to a gallon wouldn't be a deal breaker.
I plan on having a respected Rolls /Bentley repair here in southern California (where I live) spend 4 hours with the car in question.
I think your 300 mile test drive would be good to shoot for!

Thx very much for your reply, Jim

James Costa · Joined: 04 Dec 2015 Posts: 16

John Robins,

Thank you for your comments it is all helpful.
I am very mechanically inclined, did work on my last one, and the reason for me to find the best one I can dove tails with your advise that they are a money pit. I can do and would enjoy some tinkering/repair but not major restore I wont to drive it.

It would be nice to find one the has had a full major repair not old that someone is letting go.

Thanks you for the reply, Jim

James Costa · Joined: 04 Dec 2015 Posts: 16

Paul Spencer,

I appreciate the warnings of the other members and take it to heart but like you I have meet and made many friends with car enthusiasts. My best friend has a 1948 MK VI. The last R type I had gave me much joy.

Something that only you and I know, we are kindred spirits (sailors) and probably a different breed. Having sailed over 20,000 nm on my last award winning boat a 1938 82 foot Herreshoff schooner (mostly short handed) having to know mechanic's is the easy part, its the matter of how much money. And I realize its expensive.

Therefore, I feel the best approach is to buy the best one I can find and not settle for junk.

Thanks Paul and to everyone for replying

John Robins · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 8:00 am Post subject:

James,

Very briefly:

Wiring
Crankshaft vibration damper
Silted up water passages at rear of cylinder block
Warped cylinder head
Front suspension/Spring top mounts in chassis
Body mounting points, esp under spare wheel area
Brake servo/linkage/actuators/linings
Rear suspension, the car should not droop at the back
Dampers
Does the one shot system work?

Just some of the less obvious things over and above the normal checks you would make on any secondhand car. Can't comment on auto box, mine is manual. I have not included anything you could spot from a look at the "cosmetics" or a listen to the car ticking over when hot, and feel certain that this list still needs additions.

I also sail, but can tow my boat to race meetings and with the aid of my crew pick it up off the trailer to launch it.
Good luck in your search.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 9:46 am Post subject:

James,

Contact George Giese, formerly from Oregon, now somewhere in the Mid West, on email bentleyguy@hotmail.com.

He advertises as "brakeservo" on ebay.com.

I have bought a lot of the manual MK VI gearboxes from him over the past 15years, and all good.

Chris.

John Murch · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 10:04 pm Post subject:

R type coming up at Bonham's on the 10th

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22705/lot/345/

Looks to be in pleasant condition.

James Costa · Joined: 04 Dec 2015 Posts: 16

Christopher

Just got a return on my email addressed to bentleyguy@hotmail.com not a valid address also tried to find brakeservo for a vendor on ebay and couldn't find anything.

Any other suggestions, thx Jim

James Costa · Joined: 04 Dec 2015 Posts: 16

John

Thank so much but I am on the west coast of the United States.

John Murch · Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 5:42 am Post subject:

Sorry, none too convenient!
John

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 8:34 am Post subject:

James,

ebay.com shows that George is in Silver City, New Mexico, I have sent him an email to find his current contact details. He has several Bentley parts on that site.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 2:17 pm Post subject:

What is that one like at Heritage Classics, W Hollywood?
Leather all original, and the radiator hose and ignition coil are the right way round.
Originally "Masons" black, delivered to UK, but has been in the USA a while, latterly owned by Mr Button.
Good price too.

James Costa · Joined: 04 Dec 2015 Posts: 16

Christopher

I saw that advertisement
I was in LA yesterday for the opening of the Petersen Museum and to see Tony Handler but couldn't get there before it closed.
I live 1 1/2 hours away and will try again later this week.
For a custom body car the price does seem good.
I will let you know if I can get up there if your interested

Thanks for following up on George's contact info - I tried looking for him on ebay but couldn't find him thx I would like to talk to him.

John Murch · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 7:10 am Post subject:

Regarding the Hooper bodied car at Heritage, what a nice looking a/c installation.

John.

James O'Neil · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 9:40 am Post subject:

James,

If you go to ebay.com, at the top right hand corner you will see, alongside "search", the word "advanced"; click on this and you will open a page ("Find Items") with various options. Scroll down until you find "sellers", then click the button alongside "Only show items from" and enter the name "brakeservo". This should take you to the current items being offered by that seller and you will be able to contact him via the "contact seller" facility if you click on any of the items.

Regards,

James

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 5:49 pm Post subject:

Far too complicated for me, I go to ebay.com, Motors, Vintage car and truck parts, Bentley in the same, and scroll down for a left hand holding a MK VI rear lamp. That is George,s hand.

A couple of years ago, he sold the 1953 Standard Steel R Type Monte Carlo entrant,originally owned by Couper,s Garage,to a guy in Monaco, for 54,000, but I can,t remember if it was $ or £.
He has handled some lovely old Bentleys.

William Bell · Joined: 30 Sep 2015 Posts: 39 Location: Darlington

Chris,
The R type monte carlo car currently for sale in Monaco. Had also appeared on ebay at auction in the last few weeks

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 9:02 am Post subject:

Peter,
It proves in this instant that I am not so full of B.S.
( The car has a part in Martyn Nutlands book, with old photo,s too!)

Wondering why, has the customer been underwhelmed by the car, or is he a trader?

I was speaking to a guy a few weeks ago about his rebuilt Derby, and he used the expression "underwhelmed" meaning that he had sold himself a dream and then rudely woken up to the reality of these old Rollers.

William Bell · Joined: 30 Sep 2015 Posts: 39 Location: Darlington

Chris,
you're definitely not known to me for B S , in fact referred to as the font of all knowledge in our household! If I was Mr Costa would be inviting you over to help find the right car. And for that endorsement, you would probably need me to come and carry your bags.
Peter ( known as William on this forum).

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 12:20 pm Post subject:

"Sherlock, I haven't the energy", said Mycroft.

James Costa · Joined: 04 Dec 2015 Posts: 16

James Oneil,

I found Georges number and just had a 35 minutes, enjoyable, conversation with him.

Half way threw the conversation, I realized we spoke years ago when he was in Oregon.

Thank you very much, Jim

James Costa · Joined: 04 Dec 2015 Posts: 16

Christopher,

Thanks so much I did get a hold of George threw ebay and we had a great conversation.

20 minutes into the talk we realizing we spoke years ago about an R type Bentley that the Beach Boys had owned.

thank so much, Jim

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2015 9:04 am Post subject:

Not "A Little Deuce Coupe", or a "Woody Wagon"?

(20 or 35?, threw or through)?

Did George have any good suggestions?

James Costa · Joined: 04 Dec 2015 Posts: 16

Christopher

George had a few nice car suggestions but not the right fit.
We got along fantastically, we had spoken 10 to 12 years before when he was in Oregon and enjoyed our talk then too. he will keep his eyes open for me. Just goes to show you its also about people.