Beschreibung:

Drawing their customer base from a loyal clientele who faithfully supported Rolls-Royce’s superior engineering and from the more sporting minded Bentley customer steeped in the marque’s legendary racing performances, it was natural that Bentley’s all-new post-war model would combine sporting flair and engineering finesse. The power unit for the new car was a silky smooth 4 1/4 litre six cylinder engine with inlet-over-exhaust valves, which had been well proven in military service and this drove through a four speed manual gearbox with the traditional right hand change lever. Rolls-Royce and Bentley were traditionally coy about the power output but the car had that superb flexibility which enabled top gear to be utilised from 10mph onwards with little apparent strain. A departure for the new model was the availability for the first time of factory built coachwork, although the Mark VI remained available in chassis only form for the more discerning customer who sought bespoke coachwork from the dwindling band of traditional coachbuilders. This exceptional car, B12AK, is one of only six Mark VI prototypes built and is believed be the only surviving prototype. Factory Chassis Records confirm delivery on 31st August 1946 to Vanden Plas Ltd. at Kingsbury at a time when Bentley were approaching various coachbuilders for design ideas for their Standard Steel Saloon. Vanden Plas records suggest that this was the third prototype supplied to them and confirm that this body, No.4037, was erected on chassis no.B12AK, the coachwork described as being a two-door drophead coupé finished in metallic brown. The car is distinctive in being built as a drophead coupé with detachable hard top and is featured in Rodney Steel’s standard work, Bentley – The Cars from Crewe and also in Brian Smith’s standard work, Vanden Plas Coachbuilders. In March 1948 this car was delivered new to the Queen’s personal physician, J H Peel, (later Sir John Peel), of 86 Harley Street, London. (See photograph during his ownership). In 1957 it was recorded in the ownership of Clayton’s Cars of Bruton Place, London, and the following year was owned by L D Hill Esq, of Hill Engineering Ltd, London. B12AK was found in 1986 in derelict condition in a barn in Essex, at that time liveried in crimson but with the original metallic brown paint clearly visible under the Vanden Plas coachbuilder’s plate. Following discovery, B12AK underwent a chassis up rebuild and was repainted in its present burgundy livery with new red leather trim and carpets. Further work undertaken included rewiring, fitting of a new exhaust system and overhaul of the braking system. Prior to completion of that restoration the car was sold at auction in the 1990’s. It was acquired by the present owner, a long-standing Bentley aficionado, in 1998 and significant further work was undertaken to complete the restoration, all work being entrusted to carefully selected specialists and a photographic record was maintained along with a file of relevant invoices. The car has subsequently been actively campaigned in appropriate events, driven by both the owner and his wife who report excellent performance and handling. The car is equipped with a black mohair, electrically assisted hood and new tonneau cover and hood envelope, has small and large tools and comes with the owner’s personal R.A.C., C.S.M.A., A.A. and B.D.C. badges. It is currently taxed and MoT tested and is offered with a Swansea V5 registration document. It comes also with copy Factory Order and Build Sheets. Since photography for the catalogue the correct Mark VI wheels have been fitted. The car is expected to be driven to the sale from Scotland. The original hard top, offered with the car, requires interior trim and further restoration and the vendor will liaise with the successful buyer regarding delivery of this item. This splendid touring car is offered with the essential ingredients of coming from England’s premier motor manufacturer, coachwork fr