Chassis Number: BC20A
After creating some lightweight bodies on the Bentley Mark VI chassis, coachbuilding firm H.J. Mulliner was contracted to design and construct the R-type Continental prototype, affectionately named “Olga.” Exhaustive road testing resulted in modification of the gearbox to a direct-ratio top gear and a lowered rear-axle ratio for enhanced performance. These modifications provided high-speed touring capability and well-spaced gears for around-town drivability and took full advantage of the Continental’s tuned, 153-hp, 4,566-cc, F-head 6-cylinder engine. The world’s fastest production 4-seater in 1953, the A-series R-type Continental was capable of reaching 115 mph. Finished in dark green over beige Connolly leather upholstery, BC20A was completed on January 30, 1953, and road tested on February 4. Next, BC20A was shipped to Switzerland, where it was delivered to its first owner, Louis Schneiter, followed by a high-profile display on the Rolls-Royce and Bentley stand at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 1953. By January 1960, BC20A was acquired by Lamont Haggarty and exported to the U.S., and subsequently purchased by Anthony “Bud” Korteweg of New Jersey, founder of The Coachworks, a Bentley and Rolls-Royce restoration specialist. A restoration was completed during Mr. Korteweg’s ownership, and BC20A is believed to have been the last automobile restored for his personal enjoyment. In 2014, the Continental was sold to a new owner in the U.K., followed by extensive mechanical servicing performed in 2015 by The Chelsea Workshop in London, with emphasis on preparing the car for regular driving enjoyment as desired. Invoices on file detail nearly £50,000 in work performed on the brakes, clutch, 4-speed manual gearbox and suspension, as well as significant engine work. Of particular note, BC20A retains its factory-original engine, BCA19, per the copies of factory records. It is accompanied by a dossier including articles, registration paperwork, records and aforementioned RREC documents, plus a tool set.
