FASTBACK PERFECTION

Launched to great acclaim in 1952, the Continental fastback by H.J. Mulliner was hailed as a groundbreaking model, not just for its astonishing performance but also its sensationally svelte styling. Employing the R-Type chassis, the newcomer had obvious overtones of the original MkVI-based Lightweight fastback, originally unveiled at the Earl’s Court Motor Show of 1949. And yet the Continental was a clean-sheet design, one that succeeded in generating headlines worldwide thanks to its stunning aesthetics. Inevitably, however, only the fortunate few would ever get to enjoy this hand-built marvel, thanks to it being the most expensive four-seater car on sale at the time.

For three years, the R-Type Continental was available to order by well-heeled individuals who wanted the ultimate in automotive style and exclusivity. But when the Standard Steel R-Type was succeeded by the S-series (sister car to the first-generation Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud) in 1955, it fell upon H.J. Mulliner to create a worthy successor to its Continental fastback.

The end result was the design you see here, with the new S-series Continental following the same basic style as its R-Type forebear but modified to suit the latest Bentley’s longer chassis. Author James Taylor explains more (Herridge & Sons, 2019): “The longer wheelbase of the new Bentley [S-series] Continental demanded a redesign of the body, and H.J. Mulliner took the opportunity to make some more comprehensive revisions at the same time. Although design 7400 was readily recognisable as a relative of the original fastback saloon, its differences began with a new front wing line that now ran parallel with the waist line. This wing line was higher than before and ran straight through to the rear, where the wing now had a swage of its own.”