Bentley 4.5 Litre

vs

Bentley R-Type Continental

UK vs UK — 1929 vs 1952

Bentley 4.5 Litre (1929)
Bentley R-Type Continental (1952)
Specifications
4.5 Litre BlowerR-Type Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner
Horsepower240 hp153 hp
Torque245 lb-ft
Engine Size4,398 cc4,566 cc
0-60 mph13.5 sec
Top Speed125 mph117 mph
Weight3,582 lbs3,558 lbs
Wheelbase3,302 mm3,048 mm
Length4,250 mm5,258 mm
Units Produced55208
Value (Excellent)$10,000,000$3,000,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity10/109/10
The Verdict

On balance, the 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower makes a stronger case on paper with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. However, the 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner counters with better value, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower for outright capability, or the 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner for a more distinctive ownership experience.

Overview

Bentley has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower with the 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower holds a clear advantage in raw power with 240 hp compared to 153 hp, a 87-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bentley 4.5 Litre uses a Inline-4 Supercharged displacing 4,398 cc, while the Bentley R-Type Continental relies on a Inline-6 OHV (F-Head) with 4,566 cc. The 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower claims a higher top speed at 125 mph compared to 117 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 55 units built, the 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower is considerably scarcer than the Bentley R-Type Continental's 208 examples. On the collector market, the 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower commands a significant premium over the 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.