Bentley R-Type Continental
The world's first grand tourer and the fastest four-seater of its era.
- Power
- 153 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.8 s
- Top speed
- 120 mph
- Est. value
- $620k–$1.5m
About the Bentley R-Type Continental
The Bentley R-Type Continental was a post-war masterpiece designed to cross Europe at high speeds with four passengers and their luggage. Developed by Ivan Evernden and John Blatchley, it featured a lightweight aluminium body by H.J. Mulliner and a wind-tunnel-honed fastback shape inspired by the pre-war 'Embiricos' Bentley. At its 1952 launch, it was the fastest and most expensive production car in the world, costing nearly four times the price of an average British house. Its combination of a high-ratio final drive and a tuned 4.6-litre engine allowed for effortless 100 mph cruising, setting the DNA for all subsequent Bentley Continentals.
Bentley R-Type Continental specs
The Bentley R-Type Continental produces 153 bhp (114 kW). It reaches 60 mph in 13.8 seconds and has a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h).
| Make | Bentley |
|---|---|
| Model | R-Type Continental |
| Trim | R-Type Continental |
| Years | 1952–1955 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 208 built |
| Original price | About $18,000 when new |
| Engine | 4.6-litre straight-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,566 cc (4.6 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 153 bhp (114 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Redline | 4,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 13.8 s |
| Top speed | 120 mph (193 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,700 kg (3,748 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 90 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Bentley R-Type Continental worth?
A typical Bentley R-Type Continental is estimated to be worth $620,000 – $1,500,000 (about £462,000 – £1,120,000).
Its original price when new was about $18,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Bentley R-Type Continental rarity in CarSpot
The Bentley R-Type Continental is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Bentley R-Type Continental fun facts
- The prototype was nicknamed 'Olga' after its registration plate OLG 490 and reached 118.75 mph during testing at the Montlhéry track.
- To keep weight under the 34 cwt limit required by contemporary tyre technology, even the bumpers and seat frames were made of aluminium.
- It was so expensive that early owners included Aristotle Onassis, the Shah of Iran, and members of the Rockefeller family.