Ultra-rare 1953 Bentley ordered by 007 author Ian Fleming & left to gather dust goes on sale for an eye-watering sum
A 1953 Bentley custom ordered for James Bond creator Ian Fleming is set to hit the market – and it could be yours.
Images from the Gullwing Motor Cars auction house show the stunning white 1953 Bentley R-Type as it prepares to go on sale.
Currently covered in a thick layer of dust, this classic car is ready to shine again in the hands of a prospective new owner.
And should you boast the wealth required to purchase this motoring beauty, it will cost you an eye-watering £1.1million.
The vehicle has Coachwork by H.J. Mulliner, an exceptional provenance with ties to the James Bond creator.
Between late 1952 and early 1953, Fleming ordered a new Bentley R-Type Continental on behalf of his dear friend from the British Security Service Ivar Bryce, who is said to have inspired the Bond character Felix Leiter.
Kitted out with California Black-Plate Car Retaining Original Interior and a Matching-Numbers Engine, the motor is one of 41 left-hand drive examples produced.
A 1971 Pebble Beach Class Winner, it is desirably equipped with a left-hand drive, manual gearbox and lightweight seats.
Despite its age, the Bentley is described as “mechanically sound” and “driving well” on the Gullwing Motor Cars listing.
The listing reads: “This 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental l Fastback LHD by H.J. Mulliner is an undisputed icon of British motoring and one of the all-time great Bentley models.
“Built in extremely limited numbers, these high-performance grand touring cars attracted an elite clientele that included royalty, celebrities, and captains of industry.
“This car, BC10LB, is certainly no exception, as Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond series, ordered this Bentley for his friend and collaborator Ivar Bryce.”
“Originally finished in Deep Grey and specified as a left-hand drive, manual gearbox car with fender spats and lightweight seats, Bryces R-Type Continental was equipped with bespoke features such as fitted luggage and a racehorse mascot.
“This significant Bentley discovery represents an extremely exciting once in a lifetime opportunity that should not be missed.”
It comes as a classic Aston Martin made famous by the James Bond film series is also set to attract a huge sum at an auction.
A rare 1964 DB5 is an iconic grand tourer built by the British manufacturer and designed by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria.
Last month, a set of four iconic motors made famous by 007 hit sale for more than £1million each.
The model is one of the most desired classic cars of all time after its starring turn on the silver screen.
