Lot 455: 1952 Bentley Mk VI Drop-Head Coupe by Park Ward

Announced in May 1946, the Bentley Mark VI featured a strong channel section chassis with independent wishbone/coil spring front suspension and a live, leaf-sprung rear axle. Drum brakes were fitted all-round, with Rolls-Royce's mechanical servo assistance, the front ones for the first time on a Bentley being operated hydraulically. Power was provided by the pre-war B60 4,257cc six cylinder engine - with overhead inlet/side exhaust valves and belt rather than gear-driven dynamo and water pump, both major changes from previous Rolls-Royce practice - sufficient to propel the Bentley, via twin SU carburettors, to 90mph. Notably, some prototype tests of the Mark VI were conducted during the war by Cabinet ministers and military officers. The only major mechanical change came in May 1951 when engine capacity was increased to 4,566cc together with a change from a by-pass oil filter system to one-using a full-flow layout. The same year the Mark VI was joined by the R-Type, basically the same vehicle but with a longer and more commodious boot. Many Mark VIs were also fitted with specialist coachwork, in fact some 20 per cent of the just over 5,000 examples produced, from companies such as Hooper, James Young, Gurney Nutting, Mulliner, Harold Radford and Park Ward. The latter offered several designs, ranging from orthodox semi-razor edge styles to ever more rakish drop-head coupe designs. Chassis B3737LH is one such drop-head coupe, the sweeping and elegant lines of which are further enhanced by rear wheel spats and present a far more modern appearance than the Standard Saloon or, indeed, the drop-head coupes available from rival coachbuilders.Finished in dark maroon with tan hide interior, this exceptionally stylish Bentley with its perfectly proportioned profile was for many years in America, from where it returned to Great Britain only in April this year. It is offered in cosmetically excellent condition - the paintwork, interior and hood are all new - and it is supplied with all European taxes paid. Highly recommended.