Lot 030: 1948 Bentley Mk VI Special

Introduced in 1946, the MKVI was Bentley's first post-war model. Aimed at the emerging 'owner-driver' luxury car market, it was closely based on the 1939 MKV (of which only fifteen were produced). Built around a massive cruciform-braced chassis with independent front suspension and a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle, it was fitted with a freshly developed 4257cc (later 4566cc) overhead inlet / side exhaust straight-six engine mated to four-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately, the variable quality of steel available in the post-WW2 period meant that the MKVI's standard steel saloon coachwork rarely lasted as long as Crewe had intended. Thus, by the mid-1960s there were a good number of mechanically strong but cosmetically tatty cars running around. Dating from that time onwards, the tradition of building Bentley MKVI-based Specials is a long and proud one. Finished in Regency Red with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good overall" condition. Reportedly "one of a small number of cars converted by Halse Engineering of Lewis (East Sussex) in the early 1970s", chassis 'B264F' is further understood to have "had one owner for the last twenty-five years". Featured in the first edition of Ray Roberts' renowned book 'Bentley Specials & Special Bentleys' (p.250), it has only recently been repatriated from America. Although, since arriving on British soil, the MKVI Special has apparently benefited from "a thorough brake system overhaul, restored radiator, new water hoses, refurbished cylinder head and new wiring loom / indicators". Smartly appointed, its two-seater interior boasts custom-made bucket seats and an imposing dashboard. Said to "drive superbly", 'B264F' is offered for sale with "substantial history file" and MOT certificate valid until June 2009.