Lot 011: 1948 BENTLEY MK VI SUPERCHARGED SPECIAL

Reputedly former Aston Martin chairman Victor Gauntlett's first taste of Bentley motoring, this MKVI Special was initially commissioned by the great man from Mallalieu Cars. However, when former Bugatti competitor Derry Mallalieu's company faltered in the mid 1970s, Gauntlett quickly retrieved chassis B452CF (which he had sourced specially for the project) and entrusted it to his great friend 'Rusty' Russ-Turner. Treated to a radical transformation in the latter's hands, its chassis was shortened and converted to an underslung rear axle. A good deal lighter and nimbler than before (though retaining independent coil and wishbone independent front suspension), the installation of a supercharged 4.9 litre straight-six Bentley S1 engine made it considerably faster too. Equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox, 3.08 rear axle final drive and Derby Bentley hubs / wire wheels, much of the mechanical work on the car was undertaken with assistance from Tony Fabian (including shoehorning the outrageous belt-drive Wade RO34 blower under the bonnet). Clad with attractive two-seater sports bodywork by James Pearce, KMA 11 is understood to have driven by Gauntlett in various Club races before being sold on in 1985. Apparently a somewhat addictive car, it returned to the Gauntlett stable in February 1988. Migrating to Germany in the early 1990s, it participated in both the 1993 ASG / ASC 2,000km 'Durch Deutschland' Rally and the 1996 Ennstal Classic (or so its bulkhead mounted plaques would imply). Part of the collection since 2000, KMA 11 is finished in silver over navy blue with black leather upholstery and a turned aluminium dashboard. Fitted with Marchal headlamps and a Notek Drive Master spotlight, it comes with a basic hood and full Bentley instrumentation. Said to be capable of spinning its rear wheels at a moment's notice, it retains a German issued Fahrzeugpass Vehicle Passport and FIVA International Identity Card. Featured on p.313 of 'Bentley Specials & Special Bentleys' Volume 1 by Ray Roberts, this unique car's formidable speed is only matched by its impressive provenance.