Vehicle Description
Following WWII, Bentley - like all manufacturers - got back to work
building opulent cars for the privileged public. Prior to 1946, all
Rolls-Royce/Bentley cars were coachbuilt - a practice that resulted
in low production numbers due to a slower manufacturing process,
astronomically higher prices, and inconsistency across models - all
factors that limited their market. Bentley was willing to change
with the times, introducing the Mark IV Standard Steel Sports
Saloon as their first offering built entirely in-house by
Rolls-Royce/Bentley. This particular 1950 Bentley Mark VI Restomod
is one of the most unique classic cars we've ever featured -
comprised of equal parts Old World British styling on the outside
and inside the cabin, and modern fuel-injected power and handling
underneath. It's not often you see a true 'Royal' with the beating
heart of a contemporary American stuffed inside, but this recently
restored 6.0L V8/4L60E-powered STUNNER boasts exactly that.
Not only was this Bentley's first Post-War four-door luxury car, it
was also the first vehicle completely built in their new factory in
Crewe, England, where general-purpose Standard Steel Sports Saloon
bodies from Pressed Steel were fitted, trimmed, and finished. The
full-steel, cab-on-chassis design was specifically chosen to carry
four people in comfort atop a new chassis with a shortened
wheelbase, all behind the famed Bentley radiator that was the envy
of the world. Attractive yet very traditional, there's no mistaking
the swoopy bodywork of this high-end Brit - with a beltline crease
swept to the rear, oversized fenders that look separated from the
body, vestigial running boards from Pre-War designs, and an all-new
greenhouse that would set the standard look for another two
decades. The all-steel bodywork was fairly conservative, but the
Art Deco-style Sea Mist Green paint job (borrowed from the '50s
Buick color chart) turns the drama up to '11'. The bright shade
refreshes the entire look and feel of this car, updating its image
from stuffed shirt to relaxed lapel. Restored ten years ago to a
high standard, it still looks quite good today, although after
11,300 miles its show days are likely over. On the other hand, I
can think of quite a few brides who would love to have this car
ferry them to their weddings, as the look is still quite
compelling. Fit and finish are typically great and the suicide
doors close with a final-sounding 'thunk' that only comes from old
world craftsmanship. The vertical fluted chrome grille flanked by
headlights fared into the fenders are unmistakably Bentley and make
this car easy to identify, even at a distance, and the rest of the
polished trim and brightwork remains in nice condition as well.
The interior offers a uniquely British combination of luxury and
sport, along with a couple upgrades that catapult this 'Ol Brit
into the 21st century. Fine woodwork, quality leather, and rich
wool carpeting make the cabin extremely hospitable. Bucket seats up
front are trimmed in fresh, soft Peanut Butter leather, the rear
bench and door panels were outfitted to match, and the various wood
and chrome accents found throughout the cabin drip with pure
British elegance. The wood you see is in fact real, beautifully
varnished for a soft glow and those upgraded Omega Kustom
Instruments inside the burled walnut dash keep a close eye on the
upgraded drivetrain, far better than the original Smiths could. The
original steering wheel is on the correct or incorrect inside,
depending on whom you ask, but it's installation atop a polished
Ididit tilt column will impress fans from either side of the pond.
A mini-console was added up front, complete with Grey Poupon inside
the cup holders, and it joins an impressive list of carefully
selected upgrades: heated seats fore and aft, underdash R134a A/C,
dual wipers with auxiliary washers, power windows, seatbelts, a 12V
charge port, and an AM/FM/AUX stereo. The pillars and headliner
were professionally stitched to match, and there's plenty of
storage room in the trunk, which was also beautifully rendered.
The Mark VI originally used a 4.25 liter inline-six for power, and
although Rolls-Royce/Bentley never said exactly how much power it
produced, it's obvious it wasn't enough for the owner of this
beauty. 1950's Rolls-Royce/Bentleys weren't exactly kings of
reliability either, and maintaining one of those original
powerplants can cost about as much as putting your kid through
college, so we certainly can't fault the owner for the extensive
powertrain upgrades. Today, this Bentley carries a 6.0L LS V8 from
a Cadillac Escalade, and the improvement in performance and
dependability is shocking. It starts easily and idles perfectly, a
direct result of modern OEM software running the show, and the flat
torque curve is ideal for the big, heavy steel car. Performance is
brisk, albeit not all that fast, with a smooth, expensive-sounding
rumble from the well-damped dual exhaust system. They worked hard
to fit the engine inside the tight constraints under the bonnet,
but the presentation is still incredibly clean with a black Vortec
engine cover, Bentley valve covers, a cold-air intake system,
polished accessories, and neatly organized electronics and plumbing
inside the beautifully finished Sea Mist engine bay. The 4L60E
4-speed automatic transmission is a durable, reliable piece and
this Mark IV will cruise at modern speeds effortlessly thanks to
highway gears the Chevy 10-bolt rear end, and an IFS, 4-link rear,
and Viking coilovers all-around help with the handles. Power
steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes are mandatory on a classic
this size, and those chrome 15-inch Bentley alloys wrapped in
225/70/15 whitewalls are the perfect finishing touch.
A vintage Bentley given the restomod treatment, now we've seen
everything. And they really pulled it off, big time! Call
today!
