It’s extremely rare that you’ll ever hear the name Bentley unless it’s in the context of absolute luxury, and this is certainly no exception. Bentley is a lavish British automobile brand that personifies luxury, and the R-Type Bentley, the second series of postwar automobiles released by the company, was the quintessential picture of opulence and excess.

For those who could afford the steep price of a Bentley, the R-Type was the must-have car of its day; and although the Continental R-Type was produced until 1955, any enthusiast will tell you that nothing beats the original – the 1952 Bentley Continental R-Type.

The R-Type was in line to replace the popular Mark VI model. Originally, designers referred to the new concept as the Mark VII, as much of the structure of the car was the same, including the chassis and other internal components. Much of the Bentley R-Type was shaping up to be a more modern version of the VI, in fact.

With the new model of Bentley, the trunk (boot) space was nearly doubled in sized, but the overall shape remained relatively the same. Bentley wasn’t out to reinvent the wheel. Their style has always been more of an in-the-details approach, improving on their already noted originality.

Another increase with the 1952 R-Type was the engine. Of course, engines in the 1950s weren’t what we think of when we picture a bigger engine today. The “big” upgrade six decades ago was taking a 4.25 liter engine and increasing it to 4.5 liters. Not impressive by today’s standards, but a whole lot of extra get-up-and-go for the initial time period.

For those who have seen a Continental model, the 1952 didn’t deviate from the overall scope. It was that box-shape we all recognize from the era, only sleeker, with a unique trunk, rounded fenders, a sunroof and other notable features. Most models were black - or midnight blue, with black, white-wall tires, interior leather, and chrome fixtures all around.

Another big difference in the R-Type Continental from the previous Mark VI line was the fact that these Bentley cars were two-door automobiles, by and large, marketed for the domestic market. This also meant that most of the cars coming off the line were right-hand drive models, with the minority being left-hand drive.

Although it was a small feature of buyer convenience back then, the dual style of drive has caused the R-Type to be valued much more highly in today’s collectors’ market.

Owning a Bentley was and still is the ultimate symbol of status for anyone. The Continental R-Type wasn’t the most expensive model of the Bentley line, but it certainly wasn’t available for pocket change. These cars were stylish, comfortable, reliable, and marked a time in history where auto-innovation really started to take foot. The R-Type will always be a true classic.