Vehicle Description
In 1946, Rolls-Royce/Bentley introduced a new model that would mark
a significant milestone in the history of both of these great
British marques. The Bentley Mark VI, (joined by the Rolls Royce
Silver Dawn in 1949) was the company's first postwar production car
and the very first model to be offered with a standardized,
all-steel production body. Known rather unglamorously as the
Standard Steel Saloon, Pressed Steel Ltd made the panels, and the
cars were assembled at the newly integrated Rolls-Royce works in
Crewe. Mechanically, it was similar to the pre-war Mark V, with
independent front suspension on the sturdy chassis and a 4.25 liter
inline six. The world's economy had changed dramatically since the
war, and the practice of ordering custom coachbuilt bodies was
falling out of favor among buyers. As a result, a number of the
traditional British coachbuilders were closing up shop. While some
felt this change cheapen the brand, the gamble paid off, and thanks
in large part to the immediate availability of standard cars, sales
were brisk, and the Mark VI would be the most successful Bentley
model to date, with 4,946 examples produced. Bentley remained keen
to hold on to traditional buyers who desired something more bespoke
than the handsome but ubiquitous Standard Steel Saloon. A rolling
chassis could still be ordered and delivered to any number of
coachbuilders. Among the most prolific to work with the Mark VI
were H.J. Mulliner, James Young, and Park Ward. A wide variety of
coupes, cabriolets, and saloons were produced, demonstrating the
robustness and versatility of the Mark VI chassis, though less than
a quarter of total Mark VI production would be bodied by outside
coachbuilders, proving that a bespoke Bentley was a luxury reserved
for a privileged few. Freestone & Webb was one coachbuilder that
enjoyed steady business with Mark VI customers. The firm was
founded in 1923, specializing in Rolls-Royce and Bentley coachwork
for their entire existence. In the years before WWII, they gained
notoriety for their exquisite quality and stylish, razor-edge "Top
Hat" saloon bodies. As regular exhibitors at the London Motor Show,
Freestone & Webb were awarded the Gold Medal for Private
Coachbuilders an incredible nine times in a row. The firm produced
a total of 67 bodies for the Mark VI spanning twenty different
styles, the majority of which were variations on their preferred
closed saloon designs. Our featured Mark VI is one of six examples
to be fitted from new with Freestone & Webb's handsome razor-edge
4-light Top Hat Saloon, style number 3010/A. According to
Rolls-Royce Foundation documents, chassis number B103AJ was signed
off by Crewe on April 25, 1947, and despatched to Freestone & Webb
to receive its coachwork. The first owner is listed as Stanley
Gliksten, who appears to have been a serial Mark VI buyer, owning
at least three others. Subsequent owners included Alan D. Buck, and
then Andrew Spranza of Carmel, California who purchased the car in
1973. In 1980 it was sold to Robert Cole of Hillsborough,
California. Spranza and Cole were both active RROC members, and
they enjoyed the car on numerous club events through the years.
Today, this handsome Bentley presents with a remarkably
well-preserved restoration, finished in cream with deep red wheels
and accents. The coachwork follows the basic pattern of the
Standard Steel Saloon, but with crisp edges, a lower roofline and a
fuller, more generous passenger compartment. It is an understated
and finely balanced design, in the best tradition of Freestone &
Webb. The car wears a good quality and well-maintained older
restoration. The paint retains a warm luster and is very attractive
overall with just some minor wear and touchups showing on the door
and bonnet edges. Chrome trim is kept to a minimum, though the
lights, bumpers, radiator shell, and side spears are in fine
condition. Doors open and shut with precision, reflective of the
quality of the original Freestone coachwork. The fabulous interior
is trimmed in deep red leather with complementary red wool carpets.
Well-preserved burl wood trim features prominently on the dash and
door caps. The leather upholstery is lovingly broken in, showing
moderate creasing in the individual front seats, while remaining
supple and appealing. Rear passengers enjoy luxurious red leather
armchairs which present in similarly excellent condition. Detailing
is faithful to original, with correct controls and switches found
on the dash and steering column. The build sheet confirms this car
retains its original engine, serial number B185A. The 4.25 liter
inline six is tidy and appropriately detailed for a vehicle that is
well-suited to casual enjoyment and touring. It appears
well-maintained, and it runs well, with distinct smoothness and
satisfying mechanical action of the four-speed manual gearbox
through the unique right-hand mounted shift lever. As one of just a
handful of Mark VI chassis bodied by the great Freestone & Webb,
this delightful example has enjoyed many years of care in the hands
of dedicated enthusiasts. It remains in excellent order, having
taken on a pleasing character from the years of careful use. Ready
for Rolls Royce Owner's Club and Bentley Driver's Club events, this
handsome and practical Bentley is sure to charm its next keeper for
years to come.
