Bentley Continental

The 'Embiricos' Bentley by Portout of Paris 1938, a prototype Bentley Continental[1]

Grand Touring Cars. Following the break brought about by the Second World War Bentley resumed production of civilian automobiles relocating its plant from Derby to Crewe. There, Bentley engineers produced R-Type Continentals for three years, from June 1952 to April 1955.[2] These cars were derivatives of the Standard Steel R-Type, the second series in Bentley's postwar luxury lineup.

The R-Type Continental's chassis was specially built incorporating special components, including a high performance engine, and fitted with a very special light weight bodies designed and built under the close supervision of Rolls-Royce. One of the world's most expensive automobiles,[3] only about 208 R-Type Continentals were built in total.

After the R-Type Continental the Continental S1 (1955–1959), S2 (1959–1962), and S3 (1962–1965) were delivered beginning in March 1955. The first was well received and 49 were built.[4][5] The S2 delivered from July 1959, debuted with a new L Series V-8 engine,. It also incorporated previously optional amenities, air conditioning and power-steering. The S3, delivered from September 1962, was distinguishable principally by having four headlamps instead of two in the front wings.[6]

In 2015 a 1952 R Type Continental, in unrestored condition, sold for over $1 million USD.[7]

The second generation of the Continental ended with deliveries in November 1965 after the September 1965 introduction of the unitary construction T Series.[8] The Continental nameplate would not be revived until 1984.