Details
1951 BENTLEY MK VI FOUR-DOOR LIGHTWEIGHT SPORTS SALOON
COACHWORK BY H J MULLINER
Registration No. YPN 188
Chassis No. B185
Engine No. B217
Grey and blue with grey leather interior.
Engine: six cylinder B60, 4257cc, 6.4:1 compression ratio; Gearbox: four speed manual and reverse; Brakes: four wheel drum, hydraulically operated to front, mechanical with servo to rear; Suspension: independent by coil springs and wishbones with lever arm and hydraulic dampers to front; live axle with half elliptic springs and adjustable lever arm hydraulic dampers to rear. Right hand drive.
Up until the Second World War, Rolls-Royce and Bentley had produced their motor cars as complete chassis to be sent to approved coachworks for the fitting of bodywork to their owner's requirements. After the war the newly introduced cars continued to be built to the same philosophy of using a massive cruciform chassis, now with independent front suspension derived from the Phantom III, but intended primarily to be fitted with the company's own "Standard Steel" saloon bodies manufactured for them by Pressed Steel Co. However, some chassis continued to be sold for the coachwork to be built individually. The newly introduced B60, six cylinder, 4257cc engine powered these post-war motor cars. It had a cylinder head with push-rod operated overhead inlet valves and side exhausts. The MK VI was just capable of 100mph with commendably brisk acceleration for such a refined and luxurious motor car.
This rare example is one of only around a dozen chassis fitted with bespoke, lightweight coachwork by H J Mulliner.
We are told that the first owner was keen Bentley enthusiast, Ken Wood of Kenwood electrical appliance fame. Although subsequent history is uncertain it is known that the car remained unused for a period of twenty or so years up until some six months ago, since when the present owner has carefully prepared it for its return to the road. It could, therefore, be just a three owner car from new.
The lightweight aluminium coachwork has pleasing light grey over darker blue paintwork which is quite acceptable, albeit with a few minor imperfections. The interior upholstery is very original and perhaps would respond to some refurbishment. Picnic trays are fitted to the rear of the front seats. At the time of writing we had not driven the Bentley but are assured that the engine runs quietly with good oil pressure and that the gearbox is in similarly good order. Amazingly the "one-shot" lubrication system, so often long since defunct, is all working. At present the drivers high speed window winding mechanism is inoperative - although it should not prove a difficult repair.
The Bentley has an original patina and represents good value when compared to more modern machinery. It carries an MOT certificate valid until July 97 and comes with considerable paperwork, including a handbook.
COACHWORK BY H J MULLINER
Registration No. YPN 188
Chassis No. B185
Engine No. B217
Grey and blue with grey leather interior.
Engine: six cylinder B60, 4257cc, 6.4:1 compression ratio; Gearbox: four speed manual and reverse; Brakes: four wheel drum, hydraulically operated to front, mechanical with servo to rear; Suspension: independent by coil springs and wishbones with lever arm and hydraulic dampers to front; live axle with half elliptic springs and adjustable lever arm hydraulic dampers to rear. Right hand drive.
Up until the Second World War, Rolls-Royce and Bentley had produced their motor cars as complete chassis to be sent to approved coachworks for the fitting of bodywork to their owner's requirements. After the war the newly introduced cars continued to be built to the same philosophy of using a massive cruciform chassis, now with independent front suspension derived from the Phantom III, but intended primarily to be fitted with the company's own "Standard Steel" saloon bodies manufactured for them by Pressed Steel Co. However, some chassis continued to be sold for the coachwork to be built individually. The newly introduced B60, six cylinder, 4257cc engine powered these post-war motor cars. It had a cylinder head with push-rod operated overhead inlet valves and side exhausts. The MK VI was just capable of 100mph with commendably brisk acceleration for such a refined and luxurious motor car.
This rare example is one of only around a dozen chassis fitted with bespoke, lightweight coachwork by H J Mulliner.
We are told that the first owner was keen Bentley enthusiast, Ken Wood of Kenwood electrical appliance fame. Although subsequent history is uncertain it is known that the car remained unused for a period of twenty or so years up until some six months ago, since when the present owner has carefully prepared it for its return to the road. It could, therefore, be just a three owner car from new.
The lightweight aluminium coachwork has pleasing light grey over darker blue paintwork which is quite acceptable, albeit with a few minor imperfections. The interior upholstery is very original and perhaps would respond to some refurbishment. Picnic trays are fitted to the rear of the front seats. At the time of writing we had not driven the Bentley but are assured that the engine runs quietly with good oil pressure and that the gearbox is in similarly good order. Amazingly the "one-shot" lubrication system, so often long since defunct, is all working. At present the drivers high speed window winding mechanism is inoperative - although it should not prove a difficult repair.
The Bentley has an original patina and represents good value when compared to more modern machinery. It carries an MOT certificate valid until July 97 and comes with considerable paperwork, including a handbook.