4 photos

1950' Bentley Mark VI

$74,995

Published 1 April 2023ID: 4gAr9a

Expired
1 year, 7 months ago

Information from the owner

Body: Sports Car

Age: 73 years

Mileage: 18193 km

Transmission: Automatic

Exterior color: Black

Seller's comments about 1950' Bentley Mark VI

Following WWII, Bentley like all manufacturers got back to work building opulent cars for the privileged public. Prior to 1946, all Rolls-Royce/Bentley cars were coachbuilt a practice that resulted in low production numbers due to a slower manufacturing process, astronomically higher prices, and inconsistency across models all factors that limited their market. Bentley was willing to change with the times, introducing the Mark IV Standard Steel Sports Saloon as their first offering built entirely in-house by Rolls-Royce/Bentley. This particular 1950 Bentley Mark VI Restomod is one of the most unique classic cars weve ever featured comprised of equal parts Old World British styling on the outside and inside the cabin, and modern fuel-injected power and handling underneath. Its not often you see a true Royal with the beating heart of a contemporary American stuffed inside, but this recently restored 6.0L V8/4L60E-powered STUNNER boasts exactly that. Not only was this Bentleys first Post-War four-door luxury car, it was also the first vehicle completely built in their new factory in Crewe, England, where general-purpose Standard Steel Sports Saloon bodies from Pressed Steel were fitted, trimmed, and finished. The full-steel, cab-on-chassis design was specifically chosen to carry four people in comfort atop a new chassis with a shortened wheelbase, all behind the famed Bentley radiator that was the envy of the world. Attractive yet very traditional, theres no mistaking the swoopy bodywork of this high-end Brit with a beltline crease swept to the rear, oversized fenders that look separated from the body, vestigial running boards from Pre-War designs, and an all-new greenhouse that would set the standard look for another two decades. The all-steel bodywork was fairly conservative, but the Art Deco-style Sea Mist Green paint job (borrowed from the 50s Buick color chart) turns the drama up to 11. The bright shade refreshes the entire look and feel of this car, updating its image from stuffed shirt to relaxed lapel. Restored ten years ago to a high standard, it still looks quite good today, although after 11,300 miles its show days are likely over. On the other hand, I can think of quite a few brides who would love to have this car ferry them to their weddings, as the look is still quite compelling. Fit and finish are typically great and the suicide doors close with a final-sounding thunk that only comes from old world craftsmanship. The vertical fluted chrome grille flanked by headlights fared into the fenders are unmistakably Bentley and make this car easy to identify, even at a distance, and the rest of the polished trim and brightwork remains in nice condition as well. The interior offers a uniquely British combination of luxury and sport, along with a couple upgrades that catapult this Ol Brit into the 21st century. Fine woodwork, quality leather, and rich wool carpeting make the cabin extremely hospitable. Bucket seats up front are trimmed in fresh, soft Peanut Butter leather, the rear bench and door panels were outfitted to match, and the various wood and chrome accents found throughout the cabin drip with pure British elegance. The wood you see is in fact real, beautifully varnished for a soft glow and those upgraded Omega Kustom Instruments inside the burled walnut dash keep a close eye on the upgraded drivetrain, far better than the original Smiths could. The original steering wheel is on the correct or incorrect inside, depending on whom you ask, but its installation atop a polished Ididit tilt column will impress fans from either side of the pond. A mini-console was added up front, complete with Grey Poupon inside the cup holders, and it joins an impressive list of carefully selected upgrades: heated seats fore and aft, underdash R134a A/C, dual wipers with auxiliary washers, power windows, seatbelts, a 12V charge port, and an AM/FM/AUX stereo. The pillars and headliner were professionally stitched to match, and theres plenty of storage room in the trunk, which was also beautifully rendered. The Mark VI originally used a 4.25 liter inline-six for power, and although Rolls-Royce/Bentley never said exactly how much power it produced, its obvious it wasnt enough for the owner of this beauty. 1950s Rolls-Royce/Bentleys werent exactly kings of reliability either, and maintaining one of those original powerplants can cost about as much as putting your kid through college, so we certainly cant fault the owner for the extensive powertrain upgrades. Today, this Bentley carries a 6.0L LS V8 from a Cadillac Escalade, and the improvement in performance and dependability is shocking. It starts easily and idles perfectly, a direct result of modern OEM software running the show, and the flat torque curve is ideal for the big, heavy steel car. Performance is brisk, albeit not all that fast, with a smooth, expensive-sounding rumble from the well-damped dual exhaust system. They worked hard to fit the engine inside the tight constraints under the bonnet, but the presentation is still incredibly clean with a black Vortec engine cover, Bentley valve covers, a cold-air intake system, polished accessories, and neatly organized electronics and plumbing inside the beautifully finished Sea Mist engine bay. The 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission is a durable, reliable piece and this Mark IV will cruise at modern speeds effortlessly thanks to highway gears the Chevy 10-bolt rear end, and an IFS, 4-link rear, and Viking coilovers all-around help with the handles. Power steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes are mandatory on a classic this size, and those chrome 15-inch Bentley alloys wrapped in 225/70/15 whitewalls are the perfect finishing touch. A vintage Bentley given the restomod treatment, now weve seen everything. And they really pulled it off, big time! Call today!