1949 Bentley MK VI Special

Lot details
Registration No: WFX 288
Chassis No: B421EW
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

Introduced in 1946, the MKVI was Bentley's first post-WW2 model. Aimed at the emerging 'owner-driver' luxury car market, it 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 (later 4566cc) overhead inlet/side exhaust straight-six engine mated to four-speed manual transmission. Suspension was independent by coil springs at the front and by leaf springs at the rear. Braking was by mechanically-assisted drums all-round. As with its forebears, a central lubrication system allowed oil to be applied to the moving parts of the suspension via a central reservoir. Unfortunately, the variable quality of steel available in the post-WW2 period meant that the MKVI's Standard Steel Saloon coachwork rarely lasted as long as Crewe had intended, and by the mid-1960s there were a good number of mechanically strong but cosmetically untidy cars running around. Dating from that time onwards, the tradition of building Bentley MKVI-based Specials is long and proud.

This particularly macho-looking, right-hand drive example was constructed by a Bentley engineer for his own use and receives an honourable mention in Ray Roberts' book 'Bentley Specials & Special Bentleys'. The shortened chassis is fitted with one of the splendid Edward Turner-designed 4561cc Daimler Majestic Major 'Hemi' V8 engines which was rated at 220bhp @ 5,500rpm and a 'stump pulling' 283lbft of torque @ 3,200rpm when new. Coupled to a close-ratio gearbox and powering a light two-seater body you'd expect it to result in pretty impressive performance, and that appears to be the case, as 'WFX 288' is rumoured to have lapped the Brands Hatch short circuit in a mere 59 seconds - less than the 1958 record for Sports Cars!

Finished in the combination of British Racing Green and Black coupled with a Black interior, it was reportedly treated to a thorough restoration between 1989 and 1993, which included a repaint, reupholster and rewire. The engine is understood to have been thoroughly overhauled at the same time by Rees Brothers, who apparently later described the Bentley as 'a Caterham on steroids'. The Special subsequently spent a number of years on the other side of the Atlantic, where some $40,000 dollars are said to have been invested in it. The vendor currently considers this most eye-catching of MKVIs to have "good" bodywork, paintwork, interior trim, V8 engine and four-speed gearbox. Displaying an unwarranted 62,000 miles, it is now being sold complete with current MOT certificate.