The early R Type Continental has essentially the same engine as the standard R Type, but with modified carburation, induction and exhaust manifolds along with higher gear ratios. After July 1954 the car was fitted with an engine, having now a larger bore of with a total displacement of . The compression ratio was raised to 7.25:1.
The early R Type Continental has essentially the same engine as the standard R Type but with modified carburation induction and exhaust manifolds along with higher gear ratios After July 1954 the car was fitted with an engine having now a larger bore of with a total displacement of  The compression ratio was raised to 7251