Developed as the successor to the Mark VI, the Bentley R-Type boasted a 4,566-cc straight-six engine. It is thought that 295 cars gained coach-built bodies, and chassis B47SP is one of only three examples of the Drophead Coupé design (number 7259) by H.J. Mulliner of Kings Road, Fulham. A copy of the factory data card records that this car was completed on 19 June 1953 before being sold via the Bennetts dealership in Nottingham. The first owner is listed as AN Goulandris of London, with the car remaining in the family until the late 1970s. Then, in December 1979, the Bentley was acquired by Marcus Rosner of Los Angeles, California. He kept hold of the Drophead Coupé until 1989, the car soon after listed for sale in a newspaper and advertised as “Brewster Green over beige”.

The following February, chassis B47SP was imported to the UK by Classic Autos of London and swiftly registered to Mr JA Liddell. His spell as owner was short-lived, though, with the R-Type transferred to Baron Axel HW Schellenberg in the December. Based in London, Baron Schellenberg paid £78,050 for the car before, in June, he wrote another cheque for £8,426 to cover Excelsior Coachworks of Alton, Hampshire stripping the Bentley and repainting it in Rolls-Royce Midnight Blue. Similarly, the interior was retrimmed with Connolly leather, Wilton Carpets fitted, and a new Mohair folding roof installed.

In June 2000, Mr Peter Francis Ralfs of Chichester acquired the car before it joined The Dean Kronsbein Collection in July 2011. Subsequently maintained by P&A Wood, a May 2012 invoice for paint correction, bodywork repairs, and a repolishing of the dashboard totalled £25,113. Work completed, B47SP was then exhibited at the 2013 Bentley Drivers Club and 2014 Hampton Court Palace Concours of Elegance events among numerous others.

Issued with FIVA papers in December 2011 and presented today in its dark blue hue over beige leather upholstery, this rare Drophead Coupé would make for a fine addition to any luxury car collection.