Style, Courtesy of the British

Behold, a wonderful example of British engineering: the Bentley R Continental (1952-1955).

It's rolling artwork, an inline-six powered masterpiece. This is when form was greater than function, when "styling" was used instead of "design."

Gaze upon Bentley's work, and rejoice.

The upright, chromed, grill and pontoon fenders running into the doors give this car class. It reeks of money and power.

I'm assuming, of course, that it's a good smell.

The rear is just as stylish.

The tops of the rear fenders, fins if you will, help channel airflow and stabilize the car at high speeds. Since it could go over 100mph, it was necessary.

Those small fins look really good too, don't they? A bit of flair, but with that sense of British restraint.

The interior is just what you'd expect.

Wood and leather, anything else is metal and just a little bit of plastic. Really, not much has changed in the British motor industry. Get into a new Rolls-Royce, or certain Bentleys, and you'll find the same things, just with modern technology.

In fact, a year ago, Bentley came out with a car that carries on in the R Continental's tradition.

The 2008 Bentley Brooklands:
It's gorgeous as well, but in its own, more muscular, way. The curves of the Continental are gone.

But it still combines styling, comfort, and power into one complete package.

Both the R Continental and Brooklands that perfect mix of performance and luxury. It's a mixture that, happily, makes overdrive necessary.