1954 Bentley Harold Radford ( R Type)

Rodney Siebert

If you view my previous posts, I promised to up-date everyone on my purchase. All is well with car but after a long trip back fro Harrogate the car failed to start outside my house. The starter turned OK but didn't connect with the starter ring. The bendix was obviously faulty. BUT when I removed it, it was nothing like the service manual description or the parts list, after much scratching of heads the helpful guys at Flying Spares identified that the starter had been up-graded to a Cloud 1 type which is totally different from an R type starter. New starter bendix fitted & all is OK. BUT how do I find out if the gearbox is Cloud 1 or R Type ? as obviously the starter was changed during the nut & bolt restoration & in theory a Cloud starter would not fit on an R type gearbox.Did they change the gearbox to Cloud 1 as well ???. Any comments /intel welcome.

Paul Bennett · Joined: 05 Mar 2014 Posts: 90

Hello Rodney
Is your gearbox automatic or manual?
What is your chassis number?
Regards
Paul

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2021 8:46 am Post subject:

The R Type automatic starter has a "Bendix" drive cranked over from the motor, and held to the housing by 4 UNF bolts and 2 fragile alloy clamps.

It is unlike the linear form of the manual cars.

Your auto box should have the letter "E" at the end of the serial number, meaning "E" for "8" the 8 plate clutches, unlike the 7 plate clutches in the early Detroit "X" boxes.

Parts men are salesmen.

Rodney Siebert · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2021 11:58 am Post subject:

Thanks Paul & Chris, Chassis number is B190UM & the engine B220U. As you described 4 UNF bolts & 2 aluminuim clamps ( which you have to very careful with). As you say the starter & bendix are different for an auto & manual & thats what confused me. But the new bendix fitted if definitely a Cloud 1. with the big rubber grease cap on the end ( the later clouds had a small grease cap, & its stamped with the early Cloud bendix casting number.
regards to all.
rod

Paul Bennett · Joined: 05 Mar 2014 Posts: 90

Hello Rodney
Glad that you are now content.
I also had the same starter problem on and off last year, eventually having the Bendix rebuilt and the motor reconditioned in January.
The job was done professionally, but I seem to recall, (when investigating the usual suppliers' offerings,) that there seemed to be parts common to the R-Type and S1. I don't think their auto gearboxes were much different, both fitted to the same basic straight six engine, (albeit slightly bored out from 4,566 to 4,877 cc.)
When you bought your car, did you find an upmarket hamper in the boot? Enquiring as I see, from Bernard King's book, that it was ordered by Capt. The Hon Geoffrey Denis Erskine of Fortnum and Mason Ltd. Then Radford "Countryman" modifications and "elder son 3rd Baron Ampthill." Also, was in the USA 2004.
But you probably know all this.
My R-Type is B143WG delivered 22.4.1954, whereas your earlier B190UM was not ready until June 1954, even though some of its fellows with later chassis numbers were ready in January 1954. No doubt with Harold Radford in the intervening period?
Presumably you have a more convenient loadspace with rear seats that fold down. Perhaps you may post some interior photos one day?
regards
Paul

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2021 8:17 am Post subject:

The 4.9 litre engine from 1955 on, was a clean sheet redesign and few parts only are interchangeable with the earlier cars.

The 4.9 litre R Type Continental engine is a bored out and sleeved R Type engine', to a 3 3/4 " bore.

I am just wondering, with the chassis number, the autobox could be, possibly, a Detroit built one.
The American boxes had a pressed steel sump, but the R-R ones have the cast alloy pattern.

Rodney Siebert · Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2021 4:57 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone away on holiday but will post photos ect when I get back in a week.Rod

Rodney Siebert · Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2021 3:16 pm Post subject:

The Radford has been a pleasure so far ! I am not really into concours although I have won a few in my time with a variety of cars mainly Maserati's. The Radford has so far won two concours already, one a BDC event and one an RREC event !!! Mmmm ? wonder if a RR would beat a Bentley to win at a BDC Concours ??? What do you think ? Also just like bus's when you want one two come along, there is currently a Radford of the exact same specification & year on sale at V&P for £75000.00 !!! I wish the man in the Straw Boater luck with that one, but hey ho the Radford is ideally suited for events & touring with it's increased luggage capacity & built in picnic requisites, & what price membership of a rather exclusive coach built (only 11/13 made) club. I certainly didn't buy mine for investment ( going to Italy in it next year & a host of events & holidays) also as they say " They are not making any more of them " !!!
Happy Motoring to all
Rod