1949' Bentley Mark VI Mk Vi

This beautifully presented Bentley MKVI Standard Saloon was supplied new on the 24th October 1949 by Jack Barclay Ltd, Hanover Square, London W1 to Eric Low Beer Esq of the Grade II Listed 1439 Medieval Norton Priory in West Sussex. The Bentley was supplied new in Duo Grey with Light Blue leather upholstery and Dark Blue carpets. After three years, the Bentley sold to a G.L Saunders Esq of Knowle Park in Warwickshire and by 1960 the Bentley was back in London W1, owned by Clayton Cars (London) Ltd in Bruton Place. The Bentley was then owned by Chancers Pit Garage in Worcestershire right through to 1977 when the car was sold to a Mr Watson in Gloucester. From 1980 the Bentley was with one owner for 19 years in Cheltenham, 9 years with a second Cheltenham based owner before selling to the most recent owner in Derbyshire back in 2008.

886 PBP was subject of a bare metal, extensive restoration with its most recent Cheltenham based owner but sadly due to ill health the program of work was curtailed. The Bentley was sold in 2008 and the most recent owner commissioned the completion of the major restoration. Having had an exceptional re-paint, the car was treated to re-chromed brightwork (Derby Plating), careful attention was given to the original seat bases and new draught excluders, a new headlining, door cards, carpets and boot carpet were all fitted to ensure a high quality, luxurious finish to the inside of the car. Mechanical work included rebuilding the carburettors, brake servo, replacing gearbox mountings, leather spring gaiters, anti-roll bars, shock absorbers, spring shackles, rear axle mounts, steering column gaiter, fuel pump, ignition system and various new engine gaskets. Door locks were replaced, pedal rubbers replaced, the sunroof mechanism overhauled, new Michelin tyres and a new windscreen fitted, and the MKVI Bentley was also treated to a new clutch, new master cylinder, new exhaust sections and exhaust manifold nuts and gaskets and various switches, knobs and seals replaced.

This Bentley MKVI has clearly had very little use since completion of its long-term restoration and it really does present in exceptional condition. The Standard Steel body is outstanding with excellent straight panels, the underneath has been superbly restored and having a first class, gleaming paint finish with the exceptional brightwork, the car is ready for shows and events. The interior has been beautifully restored whilst still retaining much of its original leather that tells us this has never been a ‘basket case' or badly stored and deteriorated car. The leather work has a lovely patina and feel to it and with beautiful woodwork, carpets, working sunroof and headlining the Bentley does offer that luxurious, high quality finish that is expected of this wonderful marque. The boot compartment is superbly presented and the engine bay execptional benefitting from some serious attention to detail. 886 PBP does not disappoint on the road with a strong 4257cc engine holding very good oil pressure offering impressive performance. The manual gearbox changes up and down smoothly with no signs of major wear, another clear indication this car has led a sheltered life. With its rebuilt suspension and braking system the Bentley is a true delight on the road and offers a very special driving experience. The MKVI was known for its refined, responsive drive and this example demonstrates why these cars were and are now still highly sought for their wonderful driving experience. This model was capable of 100mph and whilst we would not attempt anything near this, this very sharp, fit and healthy MKVI certainly feels like it wants to be driven and feels very comfortable underload with excellent power and acceleration delivery. The independent front suspension and leaf-sprung ‘live' rear axle really contribute to making this such an incredibly superb car to drive and we are confident it will not disappoint. 886 PBP is a car to summer tour with, it would be ideal for long distance, for taking on the Continent with its impressive performance, high quality ride and with its working sunroof it will make summer rallies and tours even more pleasurable. The Bentley comes with thousands of pounds worth of invoices for the recent expenditure, RREC copy build sheets and continuation logbook copy, tool kit and retains its original chassis and engine confirming this is a matching numbers car.