Vehicle Description
The arrival of the new Bentley Mk VI in 1947 marked several
significant milestones for Bentley and its parent company,
Rolls-Royce. The Mk VI was their first new automobile since
production halted to focus on the war effort in 1940, and it was
also the first Rolls Royce/Bentley product produced in the revamped
aero-engine factory in Crewe, where most of the company's skilled
workforce was concentrated during the war. The Mk VI was brand new
from the ground up, featuring a robust ladder chassis, independent
front suspension, and a six-cylinder F-head engine with overhead
inlet and side exhaust valves. One of the most significant
developments was the arrival of the new Standard Steel Saloon
coachwork, built for Bentley by Pressed Steel, Ltd. It was the
first time in the history of the company that buyers could purchase
complete and trimmed coachwork directly from the factory, allowed
for much faster deliveries and resulting in the Mk VI becoming the
best-selling model to date, with some 5,201 examples produced in
total. While the Standard Steel Saloon dominated the order books,
Bentley continued to offer the Mk VI as a chassis only for those
clients who preferred the services of outside coachbuilders.
Exactly 999, or approximately 20% of total production, went to
firms such as James Young, Park Ward, Freestone & Webb, H.J.
Mulliner, many of whom had deep ties with Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
However, a small number of chassis found their way across the
English Channel and into the hands of Europe's most prestigious
coachbuilders. Our featured car, chassis number B9AJ, is one of a
handful of Mk VI cars to make the journey across the channel, and
it holds the distinction of being the only Bentley bodied from new
by the renowned coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi of Paris. Best
known for their graceful, windswept designs on Talbot-Lago,
Delahaye, and Delage chassis, Figoni et Falaschi is one of the most
revered and respected coachbuilders of the period. The body maker
was at the forefront of style, applying the principals ofhaute
coutureto the art of motorcar bodies. For the ultimate fashion
statement during the height of the Concours d'Elegance craze,
Figoni et Falaschi worked directly with Parisian fashion designers
to create clothing ensembles that complemented an automobile's
lines and palette. The highest standards of craftsmanship
complemented the impeccable style, and it is estimated that a
Figoni et Falaschi body took more than 2,000 hours to produce.
Factory records show that chassis B9AJ - a very early A-series
model - was ordered by Mr. J. Rodrigues through Franco Britannic
Automobiles of Paris. Build sheets indicate the order was for a
rolling chassis for delivery to Figoni. Notes on order suggest the
original intent was for a lightweight two-seat cabriolet with a
large luggage boot, and that it shall be equipped with a
KM-calibrated speedometer and a radio for continental touring.
Joseph Figoni's son, Claude Figoni, later recalled that he
personally took the order from Mr. Rodrigues, and Claude remembered
him as a "tall and elegant gentleman with wonderful manners." He
certainly had exquisite taste, as evident the gorgeous Bentley he
specified. As construction of the coachwork got underway, Mr.
Rodrigues changed his plan for an open two-seater. The car was to
serve as his primary transport between his homes in Paris and
Monaco, so it needed to be comfortable, rapid, and have plenty of
luggage capacity. Working closely with his customer, Figoni created
this elegant coupe (body number 1016), which proved more practical
for Grand Touring. Perhaps due to the running design changes as
much as the time required to meticulously craft the coachwork, B9AJ
was not delivered to Mr. Rodrigues until July 1948. The neat coupe
body is uniquely elegant and purposeful, with gracefully swept
front wings, skirted rear fenders, and large blind quarters on the
roof. The iconic radiator shell is neatly integrated, and flanked
by low-mounted Lucas headlamps, with a central Lucas driving lamp.
It is unmistakable as a Bentley, yet it displays a distinctly
French flair. The boot is well-proportioned while also being large
enough to meet the owner's requirement that it accommodate 50-70
kilograms of luggage. The twin blade bumpers and chrome sweeps on
the lower fenders and beltline are signature Figoni touches that
add a final flourish to the elegant lines. We can only imagine the
impression this fabulous Bentley must have made, effortlessly
carrying its occupant along the C�te d'Azur on the way to Monaco
for a weekend of relaxation. It is unclear how long Mr. Rodrigues
owned it, but chassis card shows that by 1964, B9AJ came to the
United States. It first spent time in California with three owners
before joining the collection of well-known enthusiast Eugene
Beardslee of Long Island, New York, in the 1980s. He commissioned
his favored shop Hibernia Restorations to refurbish the car. In
1990, Gene was invited to bring B9AJ to the Pebble Beach Concours
d'Elegance, where it earned a much-deserved First Place award in a
highly competitive class for Post War European Custom Coachwork. In
approximately 2012, the Bentley was stripped and refinished to a
high standard in its current and correct black livery. After Mr.
Beardslee's passing, it was purchased by a private collector who
commissioned a light freshening of the restoration. The four-place
cabin features luxurious tan leather upholstery and gorgeous,
highly polished woodwork. The engine bay is finely detailed with
black enamel accessories and the correct tan engine bay paint.
Recently, the faux landau irons previously fitted to the roof were
removed, and the wheels fitted with new black wall Avon tires to
return the car to its proper, original specification as seen in
period photographs. As the only Bentley to feature the work of the
great Figoni et Falaschi from new, this beautiful MkVI would be a
welcome participant in the world's most exclusive motoring events
and concours, and it will undoubtedly provide its next caretaker
with many years of motoring delight from behind the wheel. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6717-1947-bentley-mkvi-figoni-et-falaschi-coupe/