Vehicle Description
With the world still rebuilding in the aftermath of World War II,
Rolls-Royce and Bentley faced the decision of whether or not to
return to the business of producing motorcars. Automobile
production stopped in 1940, leaving the aero-engine division to
sustain the company throughout the war. Today, it is difficult to
believe that Rolls-Royce's managers would consider abandoning the
automobile business, but thankfully, a small contingent within the
company fought to keep cars at the forefront. During World War II,
the aero division housed most of the workforce and machinery, so
once motorcar production was back on, managers moved the line from
the traditional home in Derby to the newer, better-equipped factory
in Crewe. The switch allowed for higher production volume and a
greater quantity of precision machined parts to aid in
standardizing the line, which Rolls-Royce saw as a necessary step
toward long-term survival. Interestingly, the first product to roll
out of the new works in 1946 was not a Rolls-Royce but rather, a
Bentley, the all-new Mark VI. The new model marked a significant
milestone for these legendary British marques. The Bentley Mark VI,
(joined by the twin Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn in 1949) was not only
the first postwar production RR/Bentley product, but it was the
very first model offered by either company as a complete car with
factory-built coachwork. The all-steel production body was
officially designated theStandard Steel Saloon. Pressed Steel Ltd.
produced the panels, and the vehicles were then assembled and
trimmed in Crewe. Mechanically, the Mark VI shared a good deal in
common with the aborted pre-war Mark V, including independent front
suspension on a sturdy chassis and a refined 4.25-litre inline-six.
Despite the move toward standardization, the art of coachbuilding
was far from dead. Engineers designed the Mk VI chassis to be
coachbuilder-ready, and numerous independent firms took full
advantage of the versatile platform. Traditional English
coachbuilders such as James Young, H.J. Mulliner, Hooper, and Park
Ward developed a wide array of body styles that ranged from
conservative to extravagant. Freestone & Webb, who specialized in
Rolls-Royce and Bentley coachwork for their entire existence, also
enjoyed steady business with Mark VI customers. 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. Chassis number B133 EW
features handsome four-door saloon coachwork by Freestone & Webb.
Records show this car first belonged to H. Lotery, who reportedly
purchased several chassis from Crewe and usually favored Freestone
& Webb coachwork. For his Mk VI, he ordered design 3046/C: A crisp
and elegant four-door with flowing wing lines and hints of
Freestone's signature "razor's edge" detailing. A popular style by
the standards of Freestone & Webb, they built a total of 18 cars to
this design. Beyond the first owner's identity, little else of the
early history is known, though the Schoellkopf Card shows it
belonged to Mr. Donald Feldman of New York City in the mid-1970s.
He brought the car to the United States after what he described as
"considerable rebuilding" in the UK. An active club member, Mr.
Feldman participated in RREC and BDC events throughout his 35-plus
year tenure with the Bentley. By 2011, Mr. Feldman had moved to
Montana, and he listed the car for sale in club publications. The
most recent owners purchased the car from him and cared for it for
the past nine years. Today, B133 EW presents in good condition
overall, with a moderate patina earned through years of care and
enjoyment. The two-tone blue livery suits the design quite well,
and it presents with an honest character that suits the car's
drivable nature. The paintwork is in good order, with a consistent
gloss and finish quality. A few touchups and blemishes reflect the
age of the paint, but the car is quite attractive and presentable
overall. Brightwork is in similar condition, with a few thin spots
in the plating that don't detract from the otherwise charming
presentation. Features of the coachwork include a sunroof,
central-mounted driving lamp, and bumper overriders. The cabin
features light blue leather with complementing dark blue piping and
carpets, accented by richly-finished wood trim. The hides display a
rich character earned through years of enjoyment. Some moderate
wear and creasing are noted on the front seats along with shrinking
on the door cards. While it does show its age, the honest, careworn
interior has a particular appeal for driving enthusiasts. As with
all Mk VI chassis, this car features the signature layout of
right-drive with the right-hand gearlever for the 4-speed manual
gearbox. Switchgear is in good order, and the original Radiomobile
radio sits below the dash. The interior woodwork is quite
attractive, presenting in good order all around, and the sale
includes the original tool kit and owner's handbook. The factory
build sheets confirm this car retains its original,
numbers-matching 4 �-litre inline-six, which runs well. The
authentic presentation includes dual SU carburetors, air cleaner,
and valve cover all in black enamel finish and correct-type
plumbing and electrical fittings. The undercarriage and chassis
appear honest and tidy, reflecting the car's years of on-road
enjoyment and maintenance. With its beautiful coachbuilt body and
robust underpinnings, this Mk VI would be an excellent basis for a
cosmetic freshening, yet it is also perfectly suited to enjoy
as-is. Bentleys of this era are renowned for their impressive
performance and high levels of refinement, making them ideal for
enthusiastic touring. Well-loved and maintained, B133 EW has the
potential to be an enjoyable selection for BDC or RROC tours and
gatherings. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6594-1949-bentley-mkvi-freestone-webb-saloon/