To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$110,000 - $150,000
- Offered from the Calumet Collection
- A fascinating special in the "W.O." mold
- Powered by an eight-cylinder Rolls-Royce B80 engine
- Accompanied by a report from Bentley historian Diane
Brandon
- Offered with hand tools and assorted spares
- Wonderfully entertaining to drive and enjoy
The prevalence of used Bentley Mark VI chassis in the 1960s and
1970s led to their conversion to two-seat sports cars, often using
a shortened frame and the original six-cylinder engine, with
bodywork inspired by the "W.O." Bentleys of the late 1920s.
An unusually well-designed special on the Mark VI chassis, this car
has been a favorite driver for the Calumet Collection over the
years. Based upon a Mark VI chassis, it is unusual in that the
chassis remains its full 120-in. length, and is powered by a
Rolls-Royce B80 industrial straight eight-cylinder engine, as used
in military vehicles, with four SU carburetors and an electric fan,
mated to a four-speed manual transmission. The result has plenty of
space and abundant power, in equal measure.
The design is filled with wonderful period-correct detailing,
including a mesh stone guard for the radiator and headlights, dual
Windtone horns, driver's side spotlight, and metal step plates. The
cowl was lowered to fit the rakish sports windshield with Lucite
side glasses, while storage is provided ahead of the windshield for
hand tools in a leather pouch. Within, comfortable period-style
seats face a banjo steering wheel and a handsomely appointed
dashboard. Aft is a chrome luggage rack with two suitcases, used to
carry additional tools and spares. Typical of the Calumet
Collection cars, all is well detailed and very tidy. The odometer
noted 8,203 miles at the time of cataloguing.
One of the most entertaining automobiles to drive in the
Collection, this car would be wild fun for a new owner on Arizona
desert roads this winter - or just as much at home in Florida or
California.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
