Bringing Beryl back

This is Beryl, a lovely 1953 Bentley R Type. Despite being recently restored, the car had some body and finish issues that needed addressing. The decision was made for us to project manage the work along with a marque specialist, with us bringing our very high standards and the coach builder bringing experience of Bentleys of this era — The best of both worlds.

We're incredibly pleased to announce that at the 2023 Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Annual Rally & Concours d'Elegance at Burghley House Beryl the Bentley won a very close second place in the Bentley R-Type class.

We’re incredibly pleased to announce that at the 2023 Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Annual Rally & Concours d’Elegance at Burghley House Beryl the Bentley won a very close second place in the Bentley R-Type class.

We're incredibly pleased to announce that at the 2023 Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Annual Rally & Concours d'Elegance at Burghley House Beryl the Bentley won a very close second place in the Bentley R-Type class.

We’re incredibly pleased to announce that at the 2023 Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Annual Rally & Concours d’Elegance at Burghley House Beryl the Bentley won a very close second place in the Bentley R-Type class.

At one of the first events it went to, Beryl the Bentley R Type won the Philip Francis Award for best car storyline at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Annual Awards. 🏆

At one of the first events it went to, Beryl the Bentley R Type won the Philip Francis Award for best car storyline at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Annual Awards. 🏆

At one of the first events it went to, Beryl the Bentley R Type won the Philip Francis Award for best car storyline at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Annual Awards. 🏆

At one of the first events it went to, Beryl the Bentley R Type won the Philip Francis Award for best car storyline at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Annual Awards. 🏆

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The interior of Beryl the Bentley R Type is a real treat, with burgundy Connolly Leather for driver and passengers.

The interior of Beryl the Bentley R Type is a real treat, with burgundy Connolly Leather for driver and passengers.

The interior of Beryl the Bentley R Type is a real treat, with burgundy Connolly Leather for driver and passengers.

The interior of Beryl the Bentley R Type is a real treat, with burgundy Connolly Leather for driver and passengers.

Now she’s back from her first outing, here are some final photos of Beryl the Bentley R Type. We’re thrilled with the Nero Black and Shell Grey Metallic paint in the natural light.

Now she’s back from her first outing, here are some final photos of Beryl the Bentley R Type. We’re thrilled with the Nero Black and Shell Grey Metallic paint in the natural light.

Now she’s back from her first outing, here are some final photos of Beryl the Bentley R Type. We’re thrilled with the Nero Black and Shell Grey Metallic paint in the natural light.

Now she’s back from her first outing, here are some final photos of Beryl the Bentley R Type. We’re thrilled with the Nero Black and Shell Grey Metallic paint in the natural light.

A first outing for Beryl the Bentley R Type at a prestigious Rolls Royce and Bentley meeting. Celebrating two great British brands in style. 🇬🇧

A first outing for Beryl the Bentley R Type at a prestigious Rolls Royce and Bentley meeting. Celebrating two great British brands in style. 🇬🇧

A first outing for Beryl the Bentley R Type at a prestigious Rolls Royce and Bentley meeting. Celebrating two great British brands in style. 🇬🇧

A first outing for Beryl the Bentley R Type at a prestigious Rolls Royce and Bentley meeting. Celebrating two great British brands in style. 🇬🇧

Beryl the Bentley R Type is back with her delighted owners, but not for long before her first outing!

Beryl the Bentley R Type is back with her delighted owners, but not for long before her first outing!

After all the hard work, it was important Beryl the Bentley R Type travelled in a covered trailer to best protect her during transportation.

After all the hard work, it was important Beryl the Bentley R Type travelled in a covered trailer to best protect her during transportation.

Beryl the Bentley R Type is looking resplendent after completing a full check and test prior to being received by the owners.

Beryl the Bentley R Type is looking resplendent after completing a full check and test prior to being received by the owners.

A small but important detail of the Bentley R Type is this beige paint finish being applied to the inside of the bonnet and firewall.

A small but important detail of the Bentley R Type is this beige paint finish being applied to the inside of the bonnet and firewall.

Beryl the Bentley R Type was to receive a beautiful burgundy Connolly Leather which really complements the exterior paint finish.

Beryl the Bentley R Type was to receive a beautiful burgundy Connolly Leather which really complements the exterior paint finish.

Beryl the Bentley R Type was to receive a beautiful burgundy Connolly Leather which really complements the exterior paint finish.

Beryl the Bentley R Type was to receive a beautiful burgundy Connolly Leather which really complements the exterior paint finish.

With usability key, the owners of Beryl the Bentley R Type were often on-site. Here we see them checking the driving position and seat belt location, with the fabulous coach doors slightly open.

With usability key, the owners of Beryl the Bentley R Type were often on-site. Here we see them checking the driving position and seat belt location, with the fabulous coach doors slightly open.

The finished Nero Black over Shell Grey Metallic on the Bentley R Type working just as well today as when it first rolled off the production line.

The finished Nero Black over Shell Grey Metallic on the Bentley R Type working just as well today as when it first rolled off the production line.

The finished Nero Black over Shell Grey Metallic on the Bentley R Type working just as well today as when it first rolled off the production line.

The finished Nero Black over Shell Grey Metallic on the Bentley R Type working just as well today as when it first rolled off the production line.

On top of the Nero Black you saw in the last Bentley R Type update, areas were painted in Shell Grey Metallic for a beautiful two-tone finish.

On top of the Nero Black you saw in the last Bentley R Type update, areas were painted in Shell Grey Metallic for a beautiful two-tone finish.

On top of the Nero Black you saw in the last Bentley R Type update, areas were painted in Shell Grey Metallic for a beautiful two-tone finish.

On top of the Nero Black you saw in the last Bentley R Type update, areas were painted in Shell Grey Metallic for a beautiful two-tone finish.

The first paint colour for Beryl the Bentley R Type’s new look would be this stunning Nero Black.

The first paint colour for Beryl the Bentley R Type’s new look would be this stunning Nero Black.

The first paint colour for Beryl the Bentley R Type’s new look would be this stunning Nero Black.

The first paint colour for Beryl the Bentley R Type’s new look would be this stunning Nero Black.

The doors, bonnet and boot lid of the Bentley R Type were continually removed and re-fitted at every stage to re-check no issues would be found when completed.

The doors, bonnet and boot lid of the Bentley R Type were continually removed and re-fitted at every stage to re-check no issues would be found when completed.

The doors, bonnet and boot lid of the Bentley R Type were continually removed and re-fitted at every stage to re-check no issues would be found when completed.

The doors, bonnet and boot lid of the Bentley R Type were continually removed and re-fitted at every stage to re-check no issues would be found when completed.

Here you can see the Bentley R Type after primer with doors, bonnet and boot lid fitted to check panel gaps and flush lines prior to painting.

Here you can see the Bentley R Type after primer with doors, bonnet and boot lid fitted to check panel gaps and flush lines prior to painting.

Here you can see the Bentley R Type after primer with doors, bonnet and boot lid fitted to check panel gaps and flush lines prior to painting.

Here you can see the Bentley R Type after primer with doors, bonnet and boot lid fitted to check panel gaps and flush lines prior to painting.

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Beryl the Bentley R Type getting a skim of filler to get the body into shape before priming.

Beryl the Bentley R Type getting a skim of filler to get the body into shape before priming.

Newly fabricated off side rear section on the Bentley R Type to replace previous work which didn’t meet the owners high standards.

Newly fabricated off side rear section on the Bentley R Type to replace previous work which didn’t meet the owners high standards.

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More unacceptable previous work done on Beryl the Bentley R Type which required a new section fabricating. This shape is such an iconic feature on the side of the car which had to be perfect.

More unacceptable previous work done on Beryl the Bentley R Type which required a new section fabricating. This shape is such an iconic feature on the side of the car which had to be perfect.

One of the challenges with Beryl the #Bentley R Type was to ensure the body swage lines were consistent across panels and could be finished to a standard seen when she rolled off the production line.

One of the challenges with Beryl the #Bentley R Type was to ensure the body swage lines were consistent across panels and could be finished to a standard seen when she rolled off the production line.

One of the challenges with Beryl the Bentley R Type was to ensure the body swage lines were consistent across panels and could be finished to a standard seen when she rolled off the production line.

One of the challenges with Beryl the Bentley R Type was to ensure the body swage lines were consistent across panels and could be finished to a standard seen when she rolled off the production line.

New panels were made by hand to replace the rear wings of the Bentley R Type.

New panels were made by hand to replace the rear wings of the Bentley R Type.

New panels were made by hand to replace the rear wings of the Bentley R Type.

New panels were made by hand to replace the rear wings of the Bentley R Type.

Once all the paint was removed from Beryl the Bentley R Type we discovered sections of the body not being up to the high standard the owner required.

Once all the paint was removed from Beryl the Bentley R Type we discovered sections of the body not being up to the high standard the owner required.

Once all the paint was removed from Beryl the Bentley R Type we discovered sections of the body not being up to the high standard the owner required.

Once all the paint was removed from Beryl the Bentley R Type we discovered sections of the body not being up to the high standard the owner required.

The lower rear end of the Bentley R Type had these unacceptable pieces of precious repair work. While it looked ‘fine’ before and a bumper covered some of the area, this is the kind of work we love to repair to ensure a beautiful finish.

The lower rear end of the Bentley R Type had these unacceptable pieces of precious repair work. While it looked ‘fine’ before and a bumper covered some of the area, this is the kind of work we love to repair to ensure a beautiful finish.

The lower rear end of the Bentley R Type had these unacceptable pieces of precious repair work. While it looked ‘fine’ before and a bumper covered some of the area, this is the kind of work we love to repair to ensure a beautiful finish.

The lower rear end of the Bentley R Type had these unacceptable pieces of precious repair work. While it looked ‘fine’ before and a bumper covered some of the area, this is the kind of work we love to repair to ensure a beautiful finish.

All four Bentley R Type doors looking bare after being chemically stripped.

All four Bentley R Type doors looking bare after being chemically stripped.

All of the Bentley R Type’s brightwork was assessed so pieces could be repaired or replaced as required. Some pieces are marked for re-chroming to ensure excellent consistency and quality of finish across all pieces.

Beryl the Bentley R Type was completely stripped before all the panels were chemically dipped and the body paint could be carefully removed by hand.

Beryl the Bentley R Type was completely stripped before all the panels were chemically dipped and the body paint could be carefully removed by hand.

Introducing a new project — Beryl the Bentley R Type. Despite being recently restored, the car had some issues that needed addressing. The decision was made for us to project manage the work with with a marque specialist — The best of both worlds for this owner.

Introducing a new project — Beryl the Bentley R Type. Despite being recently restored, the car had some issues that needed addressing. The decision was made for us to project manage the work with with a marque specialist — The best of both worlds for this owner.

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