In the world of classic cars, few stories are as intriguing as that of the 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback once owned by none other than Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. Known for its luxurious design and remarkable performance, the car was initially purchased by Fleming and later gifted to his close friend, Ivar Felix Bryce. Bryce, who served as the inspiration for the CIA agent Felix Leiter in Fleming’s Bond novels, cherished the car deeply, even taking it with him on international journeys to their homes in New York, Vermont, and England. This rare Bentley, customized with distinctive touches like lightweight seats and a racehorse mascot, became a symbol of luxury and adventure—qualities that would later echo through the world of Bond.
After the car passed through several owners, it was eventually sold to a Beverly Hills surgeon in the late 1970s, where it entered a strange phase of obscurity. The Bentley was parked in a garage in Hancock Park, California, where it remained forgotten for nearly four decades. As the years passed, the world seemed to forget about the car, and it became nothing more than a dusty relic, tucked away in the shadows of history. Its incredible story and ties to Fleming’s iconic literary creations were lost to time, leaving only rumors and whispers about its fate.
In 2015, the car was unexpectedly rediscovered and brought back into the spotlight. Its engine, remarkably well-preserved despite its long period of neglect, was in pristine condition, and its interior still bore the marks of the custom features added by Fleming himself. The Bentley had become more than just a forgotten luxury vehicle; it was a living piece of history, connecting the worlds of literature, espionage, and high-end automobiles. The discovery of this iconic car sent ripples through the classic car world, drawing attention from collectors, enthusiasts, and those fascinated by its mysterious disappearance.
Eventually, the Bentley was put up for sale by Gullwing Motor Cars in New York for nearly $1.5 million, a price that reflects both its rarity and its connections to one of the most famous literary figures of the 20th century. While it was never featured in a Bond film, the car’s history with Fleming, as well as its presence in his novels, makes it an irreplaceable piece of automotive and cultural history. Today, this 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback is a symbol of the high life—one that has traveled far, both literally and figuratively, from the dusty garage to the center of the automotive world’s stage.
If you are interested in exploring advertising with us, I encourage you to get in touch. Please feel free to contact me directly, and I will be more than happy to provide you with further information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process.
Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale |
