Vehicle Description
1949 Bentley MK VI Sedan
The Mark VI 4-door standard steel sports saloon was the first
post-war luxury car from Bentley. Announced in May 1946 and
produced from 1946 to 1952 it was also both the first car from
Rolls-Royce with all-steel coachwork and the first complete car
assembled and finished at their factory. These very expensive cars
were a genuine success. Chassis continued to be supplied to
independent coach builders.
Harking back to the days of the chauffeur driven saloon car, this
Bentley has all the right lines, and looks. A beautiful interior in
leather, a two-tone exterior with wide white sidewalls, shows
nicely when automobiles were made by hand. Always having a
reputation for a quality build, Bentley did not disappoint on this
MK VI.
Exterior
A tall shining chrome grille greets you in all its glory, and is
topped with the flying B. Shiny chromed brite work and mirrored
headlights, gleam and melt into the red background that cover this
curvaceous fenders that have spent many an hour on the English
wheel all steel car. Recipient of an older restoration this car
still presents nicely. Flaws are noted throughout the finish with
cracking, chipping, fading, and bubbling under the finish. Striking
silver takes over the middle of the body and follows the contours
of the fenders and rockers on the lower end, while up top following
the slightly sweeping body line. Out back is the boot with ample
storage but presents with a slightly faded finish. Wide whites wrap
the standard gray painted wheels which are adorned with shiny
Bentley dog dish caps. Even with the flaws, a wonderful and classy
presentation.
Interior
Saddle twin buckets that come together to create an almost bench
with separate bottoms, backs and adjustments, show tufted interiors
and plain bolsters. A massive rear bench spans from door to door
and has plenty of fancywork for the arms and overstuffed cushions.
We note heavy wear on the driver's bucket for both the upper and
lower cushions, but the other seating positions appear as nearly
new. On the back of the drivers and front passengers' seats, and
beautiful flip down burl wood trays, for that Hors d'oeuvre and
pre-party glass of bubbly. A beautiful burl dash with a few notable
cracks houses various instrumentation as well as a large steering
wheel while strictly British and is the norm as it is on the
right-hand side. The spacious interior is grounded by lightly faded
red Wilton carpeting.
Drivetrain
Sitting in a clean but slightly dusty engine bay, a clean Bentley
4.3 liter straight 6-cylinder fed by dual SU carbs. On the back is
a 4-speed manual transmission which sends power back to a 3.42
geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
The suspension is independent at front with elliptic leaf springs
at the rear. Brakes are hydraulic drums at both front and rear.
With a top speed of 94mph, this Bentley Saloon was the
high-performance luxury sedan of its time. Invasive rust is present
in both of the trunk drop offs, lower rear quarter panels, and
inner rockers and only surface rust covers the suspension, flooring
and single exhaust system. Noted are the leather leaf spring
gaiters for a touch of undercarriage class.
Drivability
I donned my best attire and rang up my partner in crime to pick me
up in front of the test track. I left him to handle the driving
while I enjoyed the finer things in life from the rear seat. We
noted a slightly rough idle and an exhaust rattle, but a
beautifully comfortable ride with adequate smooth acceleration,
great handling for a car of its size and good braking. I was all
smiles as I arrived for tea with the queen and my piggies did get
their time to lovingly caress the plush Wilton carpeting.
This luxury vehicle used for transporting wealthy individuals
around, still shows fairly well. Mechanically it is sound, and some
areas of undercarriage repairs that are needed, as well as a few
issues. Fall in love with the line of this Bentley by viewing the
front and side angles, and one can see the beauty of a handbuilt
automobile.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.