Bently R-Type Once Owned By Ian Fleming Rediscovered In L.A.

Nov 27, 2015 11:06 AM EST | Sonja Killebrew

Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, had a custom-made Bentley R-Type made in 1953 for his American friend Ivar Felix Bryce, and it was recently rediscovered in a garage in Los Angeles, according to Autoblog.

The Englishman, famous for his spy novels, commissioned a left-hand-drive 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Flashback in dark grey with black Connolly leather as a luxury gift for his American friend, reported Fox News. Bryce inspired Fleming to create CIA American agent Felix Leiter in the Bond books. The secret agent appeared in "Casino Royale," "The Man with the Golden Gun," and four other installments in the series.

Using the name "Continental" signified a power upgrade over the standard R-Type, and Fleming built it up with extras like rear spats, lightweight seats, fitted luggage and a racehorse mascot.

Gullwing Motor Cars recently discovered the luxury vehicle collecting dust in a garage for nearly 30 years in Hancock Park, Los Angeles. The 1953 Bentley is listed for sale at $1,495,000.

The last two Fleming cars auctioned for $1.2 million and $822,000 respectively, according to Autoblog. However, those two cars were in excellent condition, unlike the rediscovered dusty and unused Bentley. A 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental 4.6L 2 door sedan can sell for $1.4 to $1.8 million, depending on its condition, Hagerty noted

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