Lot 021: 1951/69 BENTLEY MK VI TURBOCHARGED SPECIAL

Although, Bradley Brothers are widely credited with creating the first Bentley MKVI Special, marque enthusiast Harry Rose was not so very far behind them. By the mid-1960s, many a MKVI was beginning to show signs that the quality of steel available in the immediate post-WW2 years had been somewhat below par. Knowing that for all their rotting bodywork most of these cars had sound chassis, Rose hit upon the idea of transforming them into Specials. The second of an initial batch of three cars used for promotional purposes, this particular example was completed in 1969. Pictured in various advertisements above the slogan "Not only could it be the fastest Bentley you ever own, it could also be the least expensive", 'LFX 666G' had one big advantage over its siblings - namely a Garrett AiResearch turbocharger. Based around a carefully reconfigured circa 1951 MKVI donor chassis which was renumbered as 'B/HR/02' (Bentley / Harry Rose / Number 2), the car carried a lightweight fibreglass body tub made by Neville Tricket (Design) Ltd of Blandford Forum. Indeed, Rose claimed an all-up weight for the two-seater including spare wheels of just 26cwt. To ensure 'LFX 666G' had sufficient performance to justify its role as a standard bearer for Harry Rose Automobiles, the Special utilised a 4.9 litre Bentley S1 straight-six engine that was force-fed via the aforementioned turbocharger and twin SU carburettors. Mated to a four-speed Bentley manual gearbox complete with right-hand gearchange, the modified powerplant drove the back wheels via a 2.88 axle and limited slip differential. While, the addition of adjustable telescopic shock absorbers to the rear suspension brought improved stability. Riding on specially widened 16-inch (6.00 front / 6.50 rear) steel wheels - hence the need to carry two differently sized spare wheels - it retained drum brakes all round. Raced to good effect by both Harry Rose and his daughter, the former Bentley Drivers' Club chairman, Ann Shoosmith, 'LFX 666G' has had just two keepers during the last twenty years (and only four in total). Still surprisingly original by the time it entered the current ownership in October 2001 (even down to its 1969 maroon over gold livery) the Special has since received well over £10,000 worth of fettling at the hands of marque specialist Bob Peterson Engineering. As well as a thorough engine overhaul, it was treated to a replacement gearbox, new turbocharger, fresh radiator core / box, Kenlowe fan and Lumenition electronic ignition. Starting readily upon a recent inspection and sounding decidedly purposeful thanks to its 'drainpipe' exhaust, the Bentley is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis) or "fair" (bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. Sporting a well stocked dashboard (with prominent boost gauge), bucket seats, leather bonnet straps and stone-chipped Vintage Sports Car Club / Bentley Driver's Club badges, the Bentley further benefits from a 'quick lift' front jacking point, bulkhead-mounted fire extinguisher (inoperative), boot and bespoke brass fuel level dipping stick. A well known car featured extensively in the first edition of Ray Roberts' book 'Bentley Specials and Special Bentleys' and the only turbocharged MKVI Special we have encountered, 'LFX 666G' is offered for sale with its original 1969 green registration logbook, history file (containing various blueprints including one from Garrett AiResearch dated 1965), Bob Petersen Engineering invoices, MOT certificate valid until September 2008 and historic class (free) road tax valid until June 2008.