1954 Bentley Continental

There’s just something about a beautiful 1954 Bentley Continental driving through the English countryside or sitting outside of a castle-like mansion. Well, that’s exactly what the R-type Bentley Continental did recently, as members of the “The Telegraph” were lucky enough to be given the chance to cruise around in it, discovering the beauty of what happened to be the Bugatti Veyron of its day.

There were only 218 R-type Bentley Continentals made, and their production actually began in 1952. Richard Charlesworth, Bentley’s Director of Royal and VIP relations – a title you’re not likely to see here in the United States – described the design of the car, as well as stated that the rich and famous were the most likely to be driving it. From shipping millionaires and other well-known playboys of the time, the Bentley Continental became synonymous with wealth and power.

In fact, the 1954 Bentley Continental still lives on today – but primarily in spirit. The iconic design is still examined by today’s Bentley designers, which is why even in 2015 you may be able to spot some of the original aspects in the Continental GT driving down the street. The flow lines, rear haunches, and other areas provide inspiration and have become a way for current Continental GT models to provide a kind of homage to the first of its kind.

Fun to drive even today, it’s the original deal but because of Bentley’s attention to detail and the careful care of this car, it drives like new with direct steering and plenty of power ready to go.

If you haven’t considered a Bentley before, now may be the perfect time to do so. They know how to honor the cars of the past by placing their elements in the cars of today, all while remaining innovative and giving drivers the perfect amount of power and elegance at their fingertips.