Bentley R or S Type

TimAuger · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 12:26 pm Post subject: Bentley R or S Type

Hi, I am new to the club and I am very keen to purchase either a R Type or S Type including the later S2/3 cars. I have been looking at the usual dealers and I am keen to understand what to look for, who to talk to and ownership experiences and advice?

I've driven a few newer GT/GTC but would rather invest in something I can treasure and enjoy at weekends that won't loose value.

AnthonyEssington8982 · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 12:36 pm Post subject:

Hi Tim,
welcome.
R type and S type or series cars can suffer from chassis rot on the top of the rear legs, if you gan get any potential car on a ramp this is definitely something to look for, S types also suffer with inner and outer sills and body mounting rot .
Also try to look for wear in steering linkages as this is very costly upwards of 3k GBP to restore or replace those front end parts.
front shock absorbers leak on both series.
always try to find a well documented car that has been cherished, no expense spared, pay more for the right car than make do with a cheaper on.

TimAuger · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 1:30 pm Post subject:

Many thanks Anthony. Appreciated.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 3:04 pm Post subject:

Tim,

You should find someone with enough age and experience to give the car a close inspection, with a good long run in it.

There is no end of polished up worn out rusty rubbish out there and no one is doing you any favours.

Many cars have been immobile for years and are full of hidden problems.
I would look for an 1959 S1, the S 2/3 Series can be very problematic , and have it thoroughly vetted.

Are there any good mechanics in Dorset?

TimAuger · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 5:01 pm Post subject:

Thanks very much. Silver lady services are pretty well known in Bournemouth. I am looking at a car from The real Car Co whom apparently have a great reputation and seem pretty straight talking too.

John Robins · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2021 8:03 am Post subject:

I hesitate to dip my toe into this exalted pool, but having 37 years of knowledge of the R-type, I venture to suggest the following additional points.

Go onto the Flying Spares website, and look at the cost of the various parts you may be buying, as, for sure, if it’s expensive it will either be worn out or will have been bodged and you should check these parts on any vehicle you look at. If not offered, you may have trouble finding good ones.

Sills.
Sidelight pressings.
Electrical parts that have chrome plate and are visible, like the reversing light on the boot lid and the side and headlights.
Door handles, bonnet handles, boot lid handles. The originals are rubbish quality, with poor plating not helped by 70 years of use.
The radio aerial.
Dashboard items.

Steering joints, steering box.

Mr Carnley will advise you of gearbox refurb costs.

Radiator, hoses, water pump.
Gasket set.
Oil filter, plus, has the conversion kit for a modern type filter been fitted?
Crankshaft vibration damper refurb parts.
Clutch. Release bearing.
Starter, solenoid, dynamo, regulator.
Points.
Prop shaft centre bearing.
Fuel pumps, Carb. service kit.

Chassis lubrication system, pump, reservoir, pipes, restrictors.

Rear springs, dampers, does it droop at the back, it shouldn’t.
Wefco gaiters on those springs. Bushes, v. complex.
Exhaust system. On an R-type there are two, don’t forget.
Heater matrix.
Brake master cylinder refurbishment.
Brake slave cylinders/actuators on rear brakes.
Brake Servo refurb. kit, this looks simple, but the friction band is very fragile and difficult to rivet without breakage.
Outer half shaft bearing, these to be pressed on if worn out.
Brake linings.
Brake drums.

And I haven’t even thought about the interior, the seats, headlining, sun blinds, door capping, glass, especially the heated rear screen.

Good luck, and I hope I haven’t put you off.

Cheers
John

TimAuger · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2021 9:08 am Post subject:

Cheers John. Extremely helpful!

Stephen Blakey · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2021 10:45 am Post subject:

TimAuger · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2021 1:11 pm Post subject:

Brilliant feedback thank you. I’m taking my time on this now. No rush

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2021 4:16 pm Post subject:

Stephen,

Did I actually write that?

"There are car salesmen, and there are sellers of cars".

We are still unaware of what Tim is interested in.

Stephen Blakey · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2021 8:17 pm Post subject:

Well I don't know for sure but It's in the fourth post on this thread, attributed to you. Maybe you were quoting Marcel Proust?

Tim listed the cars that interest him in his first post. I second your/Marcel's recommendation to look for an S1. They are fine cars and great value just now (the ones that aren't rotboxes and money-pits)