1949' Bentley Mark VI

Beautiful Bentley Mark VI. She runs and drives very well and is ready to use. In my 25 year ownership no expense has been spared in her upkeep and she has never spent an evening outside the garage. The underside is very good on her and as an aluminium bodied car has no rust issues there either.

Arguably the most notable part of this car was the fact that it was the first model to be offered as a car fully factory built coachwork, the factory built model labelled as the “standard steel saloon”. However still deep into the era of coachbuilding, the MK VI was engineered to simultaneously be coachbuilder friendly, leading to a host of coachbuilders utilising the MK VI, including prolific Rolls Royce and Bentley coachbuilders Freestone and Webb, who meticulously crafted this example.

THE HISTORY

With records showing just 4 owners from new in 1949, this fine example has been in its current ownership for 25 years. In this time being garaged kept and excellently maintained by Rolls Royce/ Bentley specialists, having no expense spared to keep the vehicle to a high standard. All being documented in the extensive history folder that accompanies the car.

THE PAPERWORK

This MK VI comes with a great deal of paperwork, including old MOT records and a host of invoices for general maintenance and servicing throughout its lifetime, with parts and work being bought and undertaken by Rolls Royce and Bentley specialists and suppliers.

Most notably documents indicating a strip and rebuild of the 4. 25 litre engine undertaken by William James Motors, a Rolls Royce and Bentley specialist, in 2003 at an indicated mileage of 55, 662. Documentation also shows the car to have been reupholstered around a similar time to the engine rebuild.

The V5 for the vehicle is also present.

THE INTERIOR

Whilst not in a concours condition, the interior is of an excellent standard, having been reupholstered some time ago, the brilliant red leather seats are of an outstanding quality, showing next to no signs of wear. To the right of the driver’s seat we see a trademark of the right hand drive MK VI models, the gear shifter, also coated in matching red leather.

Wood adorns a great deal of the cabin, sitting proudly on top of the leather door trim and the beautiful dashboard, showing some signs of its age but still in exemplary condition. Above and below we see matching cream/ beige headlining, carpets and floor mats, all in good condition, alongside a host of luxury features such as the rear pull out trays sculpted into the seats for passengers in the rear of the cabin.

THE EXTERIOR

Its quintessential British design and craftsmanship, an exhibition of beautiful flowing lines and tremendous brightwork. This MK VI falls perfectly into the usable example category, coated in a two tone deep black and dark green paint scheme that simply exudes class, the bodywork does show minor signs of patina, with the paint being faded and blemished in some areas, reflecting the age and honesty of the car.

All angles of the MK VI boast outstanding chrome trim and hardware, no more so than the front end, showcasing a series of lights vents and that iconic grille, all in great condition. All four wheels are painted in colour matched dark green with metal centres, these are all in good condition however could do with some light attention to present as perfect.

THE MECHANICS

Opening the bonnet we find ourselves looking at the original 4. 25 litre inline six Bentley engine, which turns over with ease and runs very well. As the paperwork shows this motor has been extensively refurbished and maintained by Rolls Royce/ Bentley specialists and thus the physical condition of the engine is outstanding, with the engine bay, ancillaries and underside appearing equally clean.

THE APPEAL

This fine example of a MK VI will make an excellent usable classic. A masterpiece in post war British design and engineering, it showcases the very best coachbuilding has to offer, mixing beautiful looks, uniqueness, quality and comfort, but also driving pleasure that comes through the Rolls Royce/ Bentley factory engineering on which this rolling piece of art was placed upon. The general patina and honesty of this car, paired with an extensively maintained engine and exquisite interior mean this is a great enthusiast car which can be taken out and enjoyed.