Beschreibung:

Introduced in 1946, the MKVI was Bentley's first post-war model. Aimed at the emerging 'owner-driver' luxury car market, the newcomer was closely based on the 1939 Mk. V (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 OISE (overhead inlet side exhaust valve) straight-six engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Capable of over 100mph when clad in the factory's understated 'standard steel saloon' coachwork, the Mk. VI quickly developed a reputation for being a refined yet responsive drive. Though, the availability of the so-called 'Big Bore' 4566cc power plant from late 1951 onwards brought a welcome increase in flexibility and acceleration. However, despite the excellence of the 'basic' car, there remained a core of Bentley enthusiasts who found its styling too anonymous. Thus, of the 1,202 'Big Bore' MKVIs made some 180 are thought to have been fitted with now highly desirable coachbuilt bodies with fewer still possessing the ability to present the outside to the passengers and driver whilst still cocooned within the sumptuous leather surrounds. With just 23 of this Park Ward design ever produced, it is important that full documentation exists for this rare car. This elegant example sports body number B655 and so can trace its lineage back to the day in came from the coachbuilders back in 1949. Described by the vendor as in impeccable condition having been fully restored, it was stripped back to bare metal with the chassis off. Every bit of corrosion was attended to rendering the car similar to the day it left the factory. It was then repainted in Shell Grey over Tudor Grey and is reportedly in absolutely magnificent condition with a wing mounted spare wheel sitting on the driver's side. The interior has been re-trimmed in high quality Mulberry leather, again in flawless condition with all the woodwork removed, stripped and re-fitted after lacquering. Complementary red carpets complete the ensemble. The folding roof has been replaced by a Mohair unit, again in superb condition and with a matching hood bag. The vendor mentions that it lifts easily into position and fits snugly in place by means of a single latch. As you would expect, the engine bay has been completely detailed to showroom condition and the engine itself starts readily and pulls strongly in any one of the four forward gears. Complete with a fresh service and full one year MoT test certificate, this well presented example requires little more than a pair of driving gloves and someone to wear them.