Bentley Continental

This car was seen as one of the most desirable vehicles in the 1950's. Not only because it was the fastest genuine four-seater (it could easily top 193 km/h), but also because of its beauty; stunningly elegant despite being big and swoopy.

The distinctive fast-back profile was influenced by the Cadillac 62 of 1948 with its grille standing tall and proud. The Continental's alloy bodywork was built in London by H.J. Mulliner on a special high-performance chassis.

But this car was no lightweight with four people (plus luggage) being able to travel comfortably, with the driver enjoying a full set of instruments including a rev counter and an oil/temperature gauge.

For the very rich there was no more stylish way to travel around Britain. Later, the original R-Type was altered with fatter seats, automatic gearboxes and steel bumpers transforming the Continental into just another coachbuilt Bentley.

Most were seen as desirable, but only the original R-Type is recognised as one of the finest cars ever built.