The 1950s was exciting era for car manufacturers. America’s post-war designs became sleeker and models like the Ferrari gained popularity overseas. Learn about models from Bentleys and Rolls Royce to the 1950s Jeep models.

The 1952-1955 Bentley R-Type was a revised version of the Bentley Mark VI with greater engine displacement and a longer tail for the standard-body sedan. The series was offered with optional Rolls-Royce/GM Hydra-Matic automatic transmission beginning in 1952, which became instantly more popular than the manual gearbox.

1953 Bentley R-Type Continental coupe.

Styling and mechanical changes paralleled those made to the look-alike Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn. Maximum speed was now over 100 mph but was not that much faster than the Bentley Mark VI.

Pluses of the 1952-1955 Bentley R-Type:

• More luggage space than Mark VI
• Optional automatic-shift convenience
• A Milestone car
  

Minuses of the 1952-1955 Bentley R-Type:

• Standard bodies rot-prone
• Custom body replacement panels unobtainable
• Costly to maintain, acquire, and restore
  

Production of the 1952-1955 Bentley R-Type:
2,320

Specifications of the 1952-1955 Bentley R-Type:
Wheelbase, inches: 120.0
Length, inches: 210.0
Weight, pounds: 4,200
Price, new: NA

Engines for the 1952-1955 Bentley R-Type:

Type	Size	Horsepower	Years
F I-6	4,566 cc (279 cid)	130*	1952-1955