Vehicle Description
The arrival of the new Mk VI in 1947 marked several significant
milestones for Bentley Motors 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 had moved
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
new Standard Steel Saloon coachwork, produced for Bentley by
Pressed Steel, Ltd. It was the first time in the company's history
that buyers could purchase complete and trimmed coachwork directly
from the factory, which allowed for much faster deliveries, making
the Mk VI the best-selling model to date, with some 5,201 units
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. Featured here is chassis number B6LHR, one of just
five of these elegant fixed-head coupes produced by Park Ward.
Accompanying factory records reveal this left-hand-drive car was
initially specified for the American market, well-optioned with
export bumpers, fog lamps, a medium/long-wave radio, and finished
in pale green with matching pale green upholstery. Its intended
destination was the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November
1950, but organizers canceled the event, so the build order
amended, marking the car for "Export Stock." The handsome Bentley
quickly found a buyer from Sweden. Stockholm-based dealer A.A.
Wiklund handled the purchase for their client, a Rederi AB Gotland,
Sweden's oldest passenger shipping company. It is believed that the
car remained with the original owner for only two years before
being sold to a Swedish industrialist who kept it for the next 34
years, after which it passed to his wife in 1987. It was then sold
to a U.K.-based collector, and by approximately 2003, it came into
the care of marque specialists Vantage Motorworks of Miami,
Florida. At that time, the Bentley was a well-preserved and
unrestored save for one respray. Vantage Motorworks performed a
selective refurbishment returning it to its original shade of Pale
Green over green hides, finished to their typically high standards.
The paintwork remains lovely, with crisp and well-defined lines,
excellent panel fit, and outstanding detailing. It rides on proper
steel wheels fitted with new, black wall Avon crossply tires and
color-keyed wheel covers to complete the elegant, slightly sporting
presentation. The cabin features beautiful green Connolly leather,
piped in light gray, and matching carpets and wool headlining. It
is beautifully restored and wonderfully inviting following years of
gentle use and care. The extensive woodwork on the fascia and door
caps has all been refinished and presents beautifully. Controls and
switchgear are correct items, there is a driver-operated rear
sunshade, and the radio is original. Air conditioning has been
discreetly integrated, making this an enjoyable and usable motorcar
in a wide range of conditions. Under the bonnet sits the original
4.25-litre inline-six, as confirmed by the chassis card. It is tidy
and well presented, showing signs of use while remaining clean and
orderly. Fittings are primarily period-correct, including the 2-bbl
Stromberg Aerotype carburetor as fitted to LHD models. A modern
style Sanden air conditioning compressor is about the only
significant deviation from stock. Since its debut at the 2005
Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, this handsome and sporting
Bentley has lived a relatively quiet life. It remains in excellent
condition, is an ideal pick for RROC touring events, and would
undoubtedly hold pride of place in virtually any collection. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7023-1951-bentley-mkvi-park-ward-coupe/