1952 Bentley MK VI Park Ward Drophead Coupe

Lot details
Registration No: HDM 832
Chassis No: B358NZ
Mot Expiry: May 2009

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 MKV (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 MKVI quickly developed a reputation for being a refined yet responsive drive. Though, the availability of the so-called 'Big Bore' 4566cc powerplant 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 coachbuilt bodies.

Doubtless struck by its handsome lines, striking two-tone livery and beautifully executed interior (complete with sunburst pattern door cards and rosewood-banded walnut dashboard / door cappings) this particular drophead coupe example was bought off the Park Ward stand at the October 1951 Earls Court Motor Show by its first owner, Henry Michaels Esq. Taking delivery the following March, Michaels - the founder of the successful Camden Motors group - pressed the Bentley into everyday service. Thus, over the course of the next six years 'HDM 832' is understood to have covered circa 80,000 miles including several trips to the Continent. Having been broken into during one Belgian trip, the drophead coupe gained a discrete chassis-mounted safe which proved useful for storing Mrs Michaels' jewellery (among other valuables). Relinquished when Michaels' acquisition of a Jaguar franchise made its position untenable the 'Big Bore' MKVI passed to Kenneth Parr MBE in 1958. The former chairman of Pork Farms, Parr kept the Bentley for forty-three years.

Though, between 1974 and 1983 it was registered in the name of one of his companies (J.A. Dixon Investments Ltd of Nottingham). Painted white about this time, 'HDM 832' was reportedly used for VIP client transport, caravan towing and the occasional wedding - a versatile vehicle indeed! Somewhat rundown by the late 1980s, it was treated to an extensive five-year long refurbishment (1988 - 1993) by J. Leadley Coachbuilders of Nottingham. It seems that restorer and client got on particularly well with the latter opening a joint bank account to obviate the need for writing out so many cheques. Costing in excess of £26,000 back then when labour rates were appreciably less expensive, the work has stood the test of time well. Although no longer perfect the sixteen- / seventeen-year old paintwork is highly presentable while the beautifully upholstered cabin has acquired an attractive patina. Fittingly, both the exterior and interior colour schemes were modelled on the car's original livery. Conscious of the care and attention to detail that had gone into its rejuvenation Mr Parr chose to sell the Bentley to Mr Leadley in 2001.

Aside from some light wedding work, 'HDM 832' has been driven sparingly over the last seven years. The subject of a major engine overhaul by specialist Healey Bros of Irthlingborough less than 4,000 miles ago (late 2006 - early 2007), the MKVI has also benefited from regular maintenance at the hands of a Rolls-Royce trained mechanic. Interestingly, the engine presently fitted (number 'B5N') is not the one with which the chassis left Crewe (number 'B179N'). A chance conversation with a former chauffeur suggests that the exchange took place during Mr Parr's custodianship. Starting readily upon inspection and running well on a brief test drive, 'HDM 832' is described by the vendor as being in "very good overall" condition. Though, not having touched the four-speed manual gearbox, he rates it as "good / fair". Believed but not warranted to have covered some 150,000 miles from new (the odometer currently shows 50,682 miles), this wonderfully elegant MKVI Drophead Coupe is offered for sale with "two box files full of invoices and information", assorted MOTs dating back to 1976 (20) and current MOT certificate valid until May 2009. 'HDM 832' represents a rare opportunity to acquire a coachbuilt Bentley with Motor Show provenance that has had just three private keepers from new.