1949 Bentley MkVI 6.75-Litre Drophead Coupe

In 1946 Bentley introduced the Mark VI which stayed in production until 1952 with just over 5200 examples being produced. The Mark VI's were large and impressive four-door automobiles. This marked the first automobile completely constructed by Rolls Royce and signified their desire to move towards a 'standardized' body construction. Prior to this, Rolls Royce and Bentley provided a rolling chassis to coachbuilders. The vehicle was then outfitted, often under the direction of the individual buyer. This meant that the specifications often varied and each creation was a unique design.

The Standard Steel Saloon body was produced at Pressed Steel's factory and delivered as a shell to the Rolls Royce factory. The body was then fitted to the chassis. It then received paint, lights, and chrome. The headlamps were no longer separate units but were integrated into the front wings. The interior was the final step in the build. It was outfitted in leather from Connolly and walnut veneer. Prior to 1949, all models were right hand drive and right side floor shift, which suited the British market. From 1949, the Bentley Mark VI was equivalent to the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn. Their biggest difference was in their performance, with the Bentley the clear champion.

A sunroof and rear wheel spats were optional equipment. Later, the sunroof became standard on all Bentley Mark VI models.

The Bentley Mark VI saw very few changes during its six year production life span. The most significant change was the adaptation of an enlarged engine which was introduced in 1951. The 4566 cc (4.5 liter) engine did improve the performance of the vehicle.

Four thousand of the Mark VI's were outfitted with a F-Head 4257 cc (4.25 liter) inline-six cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors, and aluminum cylinder head. Power was sent to the rear wheels courtesy of a four-speed manual gearbox with single plate clutch. Top speed was achieved around 94 mph. Servo assisted Drum brakes provided the stopping power and the suspension were independent with coil springs.

Around 1000 of the Bentley Mark VI's were sent to individual coachbuilders. Some of the notable coachbuilders were H.J. Mulliner, James Young, Pinin Farina, Franay, Park Ward, Saoutchik and Facel. Their designs included custom sedans and convertible, also referred to as dropheads.

These rare creations were given additional attention to detail to satisfy their exclusive clientele. In modern times, they are highly sought after.

Four thousand Bentley Mark VI's were created with the 4257 cc engine with 832 examples being outfitted by coachbuilders. 1202 Bentley Mark VI's were created with the 4566 cc engine with 180 examples being outfitted by coachbuilders.

The Mark VI was succeeded by the R-Type Bentley. Many of the Bentley Mark VI's have not survived; this is mostly attributed to their poor steel quality of the early postwar years which results in rust.

This particular example is the work of its enthusiast owner, who has been building MkVI specials for over 30 years. The car was purchased as a rolling chassis some years ago and has been fitted with a Bentley T2 6.75-litre V8 engine and matching automatic gearbox. It retains the standard wheelbase and its original Bentley front bulkhead and cruciform bracing. The body's design was inspired by the work of the French coachbuilder Figoni & Falaschi, whose dropheads on Delahaye chassis in the late 1940s are considered by many to be the most classically beautiful examples of this type of coachwork, with the 1947 and 1948 models most admired. Industrialists, movie stars, politicians and royalty were typical customers.

A high quality glassfibre construction, the body is mounted on a bespoke galvanised sub-frame that bolts directly to the original body mounts on the chassis. Softer road springs have been fitted that better suit the lighter coachwork. Other noteworthy features include a 20-gallon fuel tank, leather upholstery, Wilton carpeting, electric windows and side impact bars in the doors. The project was completed in 2011.

Descriptions & pictures by conceptcarz & bonhams