Vehicle Description
Following World War II, Bentley, like all automotive manufacturers,
got back to work building cars for the public. The first was the
Mark VI, and it was the first car built entirely in-house by
Rolls-Royce/Bentley. This 1949 Bentley Mark VI sports saloon offers
a wonderful Old World look with enough performance to make it
entertaining, even today.
There's no mistaking the swoopy bodywork of a high-end British
automobile, and the folks at Bentley were at the top of their game
when this car was built. The all-steel bodywork was conservative,
yes, but with the elegant black paint job, it becomes dramatic and
elegant as well. Proportions are ideal, with a bit of pre-war
styling in the fenders to go with the all new greenhouse, a look
that would set the standard for another two decades. Restored
several years ago, it still looks quite good, although its show
days are probably over, at least for now. On the other hand, I can
think of quite a few brides who would love to have this car ferry
them to their weddings, so the look is still quite compelling. Fit
and finish are typically great and the doors close with a
final-sounding thunk that only comes from old world craftsmanship.
The chrome grille is familiar and makes this car easy to identify,
even at a distance, and the rest of the polished trim remains in
nice condition as well.
The interior offers a uniquely British combination of luxurious and
sporting. Bucket seats for front seat passengers are trimmed in
fresh, soft dark-red vinyl and while there are a few signs of minor
use inside the luxurious cabin, it has a wonderfully inviting look.
The wood trim you see is real wood, beautifully varnished for a
soft glow and the handsome Smiths instruments are set into a shiny
panel of burled walnut. The steering wheel is on the correct or
incorrect inside, depending on whom you ask, but that's about the
only concession to right-hand-drive this car makes, so you'll find
it easy to get acclimated. There's a heating unit stashed under the
dash, and even though it's not working at the moment, it might be a
good thing to have to make this a year-round cruiser. Overhead
there's an original, taut headliner, the carpets below are newer
and very plush, and as you'd expect, the back seat is beautifully
trimmed and very luxurious. The trunk is big enough to carry a
weeks' worth of luggage and it's neatly outfitted with matching red
carpets.
The Mark VI used a 4.25 liter inline-six for power, although
Rolls-Royce/Bentley never said exactly how much power it was. The
engine is smooth and torquey, making the stately sedan feel agile
in traffic and never like it puts a tire wrong. Properly
maintained, these are reliable powerplants, so don't worry about
the rumors. The intake sound from the twin SU carburetors and
incredibly intricate mechanisms under the hood is a big part of why
Bentleys remain so popular with driving enthusiasts. It's
impossibly smooth and offers just the right growl from the single
exhaust pipe out back. The transmission is a 4-speed manual, which
only adds to the car's sporting character and the rear end is
geared such that this is a superlative highway cruiser. Brakes are
also commendably effective and it sits regally on a set of wide
whitewall tires with Bentley wheel discs in their centers.
This is a wonderful car to drive, and at this price it may also
offer an opportunity, because, as I said, there are a lot of
weddings looking for a special vehicle. What could be more special
than a vintage Bentley? Call today!
