1950 Bentley Mk VI Sports Saloon

Britain in the fifties was shaking itself free of post-war shortages, rationing and general malaise. In Crewe, the Bentley factory was responding to the need for a vehicle which would carry forward the prestige and respect earned by the marque during the late twenties and thirties and would be suitable for those who needed a means of conveyance suited to their raised station in life.

As prior to the war, Bentley offered a running chassis, which could be dispatched to one of the great coachbuilding companies of the era, such as James Young, Barkers and so forth, in order that a customer could clothe the vehicle in a bespoke body, usually of aluminium on an ash frame, to his personal specification. However a Standard Steel body was offered by the factory, which maintained some of the pre-war lines and the essential feeling of well -being, coupled to not a little sportiness.

Mechanically, the well proven straight six, 4257cc engine with inlet over exhaust valves was retained and drives through a four speed manual gearbox, situated to the right of the driver’s seat. The post-war cars had independent front suspension which greatly enhanced ride and handling. The Mk VI can be driven with some gusto as some classic rally participants have found out en route to Monte Carlo and around the Alps.

A copy of the works Build Sheet states that chassis No B-195-GT was dispatched to retail agents Agnew and Graham Ltd., of Belfast, on 15^th June 1950. Some early service history is on file showing various work carried out on the car during the fifties and sixties. More recent work during 2005 shows some £5780 being spent on bottom end engine work, clutch, carburettors, brakes etc. In addition some body refurbishment was carried out, including a repaint in two tone green. The interior retains its brown leather as originally specified.

We are told that the Bentley runs and drives well with good oil pressure, but a little cosmetic work would be beneficial. A V5C registration certificate accompanies the car, together with a large history file containing numerous old MOT test certificates, the original handbook, road tax discs and early invoices for work carried out. In addition, a town cap and a set of seats will be offered with the Mk VI.