Prior to WWII Bentley did not offer factory coachwork, meaning a buyer of a new Bentley would order a chassis and commission a coachwork of their liking to be fitted on their new car. After the war however, Bentley finally introduced factory coachwork with the introduction of their Mark VI model. Mechanically, the MkVI was similar to the pre-war MkV, with independent front suspension on the substantial ladder chassis and a 4.25 liter inline six. For the 1952 model year, the spec was updated to 4.5 liters and available with either an automatic or four-speed manual gearbox. Although the Mark VI is widley known to have factory coachwork and is most commonly seen that way today, a few of the Mark VI chassis were sold to custom coachbuilders and fitted with custom coachwork. One of these cars is chassis # B142NZ.
Ordered on August 8, 1951, B142NZ was delivered to H.J. Mulliner for fitment of its custom lightweight saloon body (Body#: 5391). Its first owner was Messrs. John Croall & Sons and the car became a company demonstrator at their Edinburgh headquarters. At that time, Croall owned the Mulliner works and sold Rolls Royce motorcars in Scotland. The Mulliner body was crafted in aluminum with lovely sporting lines and called "the Lightweight." It was new to the world in 1951, but would become one of the companies most iconic designs, one that is still admired almost 70 years later. Later in life, B142NZ was exported to the United States around 1988 where it would end up in Kentucky and then onto another owner from Connecticut last year. Today, the car presents itself in well kept original condition. The paint and chrome were redone somtime in the 1980's, but they still present very well. The upholstery looks to be in mostly original condition as well as the wood vaneer that has a bit of charming patina, but fits well with the rest of the car. With recent mechanical servicing, this car runs and drives exceptionally well, especially with the original 1952 big 4.5 liter engine than the previous Mark VI's had. Overall, with its good history, Mulliner lightweight coachwork and great preserved condition, B142NZ is a Mark VI that certainly stands apart form the rest. Contact us for more information today.
