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Bentley has used the Continental name on several generations of luxury automobiles since 1952. ==From 1952 to 1965== Following World War II, Bentley moved to resume production of civilian automobiles, and its factory was relocated to Crewe, England from Derby. There, Bentley engineers produced so-called R-Type Continentals for three years, from 1952 to 1955.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.bentleymotors.com/distinguished_heritage/history/1950__1959/ )〕 These were derivatives of the original R-Type,〔Bentley R Type〕 the second series in Bentley's postwar luxury lineup. The R-Type Continental's chassis was independently produced and sold to custom coach-builders. One of the world's most expensive automobiles,〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11084/Bentley-R-Type.aspx )〕 only about 208 R-Type Continentals were built in total. Following the R-Type Continental, the Continental S1, S2 and S3 were released consecutively beginning in 1955. The S1 was well received, 49 being built〔Classic Cars, May 2010, page 114〕 though (some reviewers ) considered the boot space inadequate.〔Motorist´s Compendium and Driver´s Almanack, Dec 1959〕 The deficiency was addressed on later vehicles.〔Bentley S1〕 The S2, unveiled in 1959, debuted with a new L Series V-8 engine,〔Bentley V8 engine〕 still used in contemporary Bentleys like the Mulsanne. It also incorporated air conditioning and standard power steering, considered cutting-edge amenities at the time. The S3, for its part, was distinguishable by its "four-headlamps in the front wings."〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.bentleymedia.com/release-207.htm )〕 During the 1950s and early '60s, the Bentley Continental was marketed for its powerful engine and lowered suspensions, thought to improve performance for high-speed touring. The fastback coupe's distinctive angle-free, lightweight design also helped establish its British manufacturers' prosperity for the post-war era. In 2015 a 1952 R Type Continental, in unrestored condition, sold for over $1 million USD.〔(【引用サイトリンク】 title=Rare Bentley Brings Big Dollars At Auction )〕 The second generation of the Continental ended in 1965 with the introduction of the replacement T Series.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://wikicars.org/en/Bentley_Continental_T )〕 The Continental nameplate would not be revived until 1984. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア(Wikipedia)』 ■ウィキペディアで「Bentley Continental」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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