Thrill Ride: Ian Fleming's Bentley could spark price war at auction

A 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback, once owned by Ian Fleming, could start a bidding war at this year's Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction in California on August 15.

The lot in question is a Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback that is completely unrestored, having been left to sit in a Hollywood garage for the last 30 years. Despite its unrestored state, there's every chance that this car could fetch $2 million when it goes under the hammer in August.

Fleming's car includes a manual transmission, lightweight seats and fitted luggage. The story goes that the Bentley was a gift for Ivar Bryce who, as well as being one of Fleming's closest friends, was a real-life intelligence officer and the inspiration for the character of Felix Leiter in the Bond novels.

While the cinematic James Bond will forever be associated with Aston Martin, the James Bond depicted in Fleming's novels only once got behind the wheel of an Aston — a DB Mark III — during Goldfinger. Bond's car of choice was. otherwise, a customised Bentley throughout the novels.