Lot details Registration No: T.B.A. Chassis No: BS35FU Mot Expiry: Nov 2007
Introduced in 1946, the MKVI was Bentley's first post-war 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 oise 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 as a well-appointed, spacious sports saloon. However, despite the excellence of the 'basic' car, there remained a core of Bentley enthusiasts who found its styling too anonymous.
One of only 832 4.25 litre MKVIs reputedly fitted with coachbuilt bodies, this wonderfully elegant two-door drophead coupe is the work of Park Ward. Finished in blue over silver with blue leather upholstery, chassis 'B535 FU' is variously described by the vendor as being in "OK" (chassis, wheels / tyres), "good" (4257cc engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim), "very good" (bodywork) or "excellent" (paintwork) condition. First registered in Yorkshire (or so its number plate would imply), the Bentley has only just returned from an extended stay on the other side of the Atlantic. A singularly handsome design, the four-seater's voluptuous wings, cut-away rear spats and muted two-tone livery are offset by whitewall tyres. Said to have been recently resprayed, chassis 'B535 FU' sports a centre-mounted spotlight and auxiliary driving lights. Undeniably stylish, it is hoped that this appealing post-WW2 Bentley drophead coupe will possess a new MOT certificate by the time of sale.
PLEASE NOTE: The vendor has kindly informed us of the following information since the catalogue went to press:
First owner: A. J. Brown 1950
Sold by Frank Dale & Stepsons in 1977 to:
H. O. Sieffert (Lumber Co.)
4112 West Kimberely Road
DAVENPORT Iowa 52808 USA
Sold by H. O. Sieffert in about 1986 to:
John Matthews
Sedgwick
Maine
04676
"John Matthews was a good friend of mine. We spoke every month on the telephone. He was the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra's resident double bass player for many years before his retirement. This Bentley Park Ward 'drophead' was the love and passion of his life for almost twenty years. Whatever it needed was spent keeping the car in fine fettle. I have workshop bills for $61,000 (copies of which may be inspected in the H&H Documents' Office).
John's wish was for the Bentley to 'come home' and his Trustees asked me to handle the sale. I collected it from the shippers on November 14th 2006. She started immediately and ran perfectly. Good oil pressure and no overheating. Excellent crisp gearbox and a very good brake pedal. The only slight rattle is in the passenger's door. I drove her for 30 miles to the MOT station and she handled very well too.
Chassis B535FU now has a MOT certificate valid until November 2007. The original log book was not found in John's papers so I have made an application to DVLA Swansea for a new V5C registration document to be issued. The 'JWX 670' file is being handled by Lisa Morgan, Dept. VC10 D6 at Swansea SA99 1ZZ.
'JWX 670' is mentioned in the excellent 'BENTLEY, The Cars from Crewe' book by Rodney Steel".
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