Lot 331A: 1947 Bentley Mk VI Sedan

The Bentley Mark VI marked a radical change for Rolls-Royce, being the first car to be offered by the company with factory built coachwork. This ‘standard steel’ saloon body accounted for the bulk of production, though customers could still opt for a coachbuilt alternative such as the James Young-bodied car offered here. The Kent-based firm of James Young had established itself among the foremost coachbuilders for up-market chassis by the end of the 1930s. Its factory devastated by wartime bombing, the company did not resume exhibiting at the London Motor Shows until 1948.

‘B362BH’ was delivered to James Young Ltd on August 21st 1947 and fitted with its aluminium sports saloon coachwork (Design C11) which was lighter than the ‘standard steel’ MkVI body, thus endowing the car with superior performance. Records confirm that the car was purchased from James Young by E W Garland of E Krantz Textiles Ltd and Morley Fabrics. However, there are inter-departmental records indicating that an earlier order was cancelled by Mr B Da Costa. Finished in grey metallic with blue interior, the car was delivered on May 20th 1948 and first registered ‘JYH 111’ in the UK. Included upon delivery were the fitting of a pair of bonnet locks, the supply and fitting of one extra spare wheel, and the supply of a special Leveroll driver’s seat.

‘B362BH’ is powered by the standard 4,257cc six cylinder engine, also fitted to the Rolls Royce Silver Dawn, but to the enhanced Bentley specification with twin SU carburettors. Various records show the early testing of the car and correspondence of Mr Garland’s requesting certain minor corrections. ‘B362BH’ remained in the ownership of Mr. Garland and was a regular driver.
The car was purchased in the mid-1960’s by Abner Sisson, of Boston, MA. He and his wife, a Boston antiques dealer, were in London on a buying trip and were transported in the car which they were told was going to be sold. Mr Sisson bought he car, had it transported to Boston and drove it regularly. In 1968, he returned the car to England for full restoration by Rolls-Royce and James Young. Rolls undertook the mechanical restoration and James Young refitted the car with a new burgundy leather interior and carpets. They completed various other works including refinishing the exterior paint. Restoration was completed in 1969 and the car returned to Boston missing only its clock. Mr Sisson owned and drove the car regularly for many years, but with decreasing frequency, until his death in 1995.

Kept garaged but not started or driven regularly, the car was acquired in 1995 by present owner Andrew Bomes, Mr Sisson’s grandson. A mechanical restoration was carried out in 1996 by Rolls/Bentley specialist Bill Strachman, of Allston Custom Garage in Boston, and regular maintenance has continued to date.

Rarely seen, this beautiful car has been driven minimally and only shown twice in New England, once at British Car Day at Larz Anderson and once at the 25th Annual Bay State Antique Auto Show in Dedham, MA where it received a 3rd place award.