We at Classic Promenade often have the privilege to offer to the
market many of the most important and finest motorcars in the
world. Often these sales set world records because of the
uniqueness of the car (such as the Gatsby Rolls) or the quality of
the restoration. Our recent Private Sale in June 2025 of the famous
1947 Bentley Mark VI Drophead Coupe by Franay was such an
opportunity. This is the most important and valuable Post-War
Bentley in the world. There is nothing that comes close to its
spectacular design and execution. This will most likely always earn
the Best in Class and/or Best of Show at almost any major concours
event in the world. HISTORY OF THE FRANAY BENTLEY: French
industrialist Monsieur Gudol was committed to prove to the world
that French art of designing and creating the most beautiful cars
in the world was alive and well after World War II. He approached
the Paris-based coachbuilder Carrossier Franay with the challenge
of creating a concours winning show car from a 1947 Bentley Mark VI
chassis. Chassis B20BH was sent to Franay specifically to be
presented as the coachbuilders 1947 Paris Auto Show car. Subsequent
to the Paris Auto Show, B20BH was shown and earned Best of Show
awards at two major concours events at Enghien and Boulogne,
becoming the first car to win a major concours event following the
War. In 1951, Monsieur Gudol returned the Bentley to Franay with
the specific instructions to spare no expense to enhance and update
the original design to create rolling sculpture. The coachbuilder
updated its design and returned the Bentley to Bentley Motors,
where it was upgraded with the latest R-Type 4.5-liter engine and
dual exhaust. Remarkably, the Bentley Motors factory records
reflect the engine upgrade and the stamping of the new engine with
the original engine number, B10B (we have never seen this done
before). By 1955, the Bentley was acquired by owners in England and
was later imported into the United States. Sergio Franchi, the
famous opera singer and car collector as well as Lorin Tyron, the
co-Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance were among the
owners of the Franay Bentley. In 1979, Gary Wales of Woodland
Hills, CA acquired the Bentley from Mr. Tyron, and he commenced his
efforts to fully document its history through nearly a decade of
research and accumulation of photographs. Mr. Wales impeccably
restored the drivetrain and chassis to concours standards and while
the body was being restored. He would frequently drive the Bentley,
sans -coachwork, to car shows and concours events throughout
Southern California. After a decade, the chassis and coachwork were
reunited. The Franay Bentley made its debut at the 1991 Pebble
Beach Concours dElegance where it was exhibited in the Post-War
European Custom Coachworks Class where it readily earned a Best in
Class and won the coveted French Cup. It is published that the
Franay Bentley nearly earned the Best of Show award, missing the
title by 1/10 th of a point. Mr. Wales campaigned the Bentely
around the world at the most prestigious concours events,
accumulating over 50 major awards. Importantly, The Franay Bentley
also won the Best of Show award at the Rolls-Royce Owners Club
Annual Meeting in 1991 and then in 1999 earned the Top Senior Award
of the Royce Memorial Trophy for the Best of Prior Best of Show
Award. This Bentley has been featured on numerous TV programs,
publications and even the distinguished Franklin Mint produced a
1:24 th scale model of this Franay Bentley. DESCRIPTION:The livery
of the Franay is black with a mirror quality finish rarely seen.
The sumptuous body design is highly sculptured, featuring fully
skirted front and rear fenders and ample curlicue chrome accents
making for an outrageously sexy and opulent presentation. It is
obvious that Monsieur Gudol intentions for this Bentley were indeed
fulfilled, this is one of the most unforgettable cars in the world
and a true concours winner. The beautifully chromed split
windscreen flows into the cowl and is an integral part of its
design. Unusually, the black canvas convertible top is a desirable
three-position cabriolet design with twin oval rear windows.
Erecting or lowering the convertible top can be fulfilled in about
one minute by two careful stewards. It is rare that one finds that
a car looks as good (if not more menacing) with the convertible top
up versus down. The twin spotlights blend into the entirety of the
design as well as the triple driving and fog lights. The paint,
chrome and stainless-steel trim are all in superb condition with
only very minimal signs of use, belying the 34 years since its
restoration. The Franay Bentley can be exhibited at any important
concours event worldwide and earn Best in Class and most likely
Best of Show. The stunning interior features beautiful burgundy
leather complemented with delicate burgundy frog skins sourced from
the Philippines and Haiti. The Burgundy Wilton wool carpeting is in
as-new condition. The instrumentation is complete with a built-in
integrated compass and a rare gradient gauge. The remaining
instruments are the more familiar Smiths gauges, and the odometer
reflects its original 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers). Behind the
front seat is a sideways single jump seat that is flanked with
built in cabinets containing crystal decanters, silver flasks, shot
glasses and stemware, as well as a clock. We like to imagine that
the seat was for your private bartender and the clock to identify
the five oclock cocktail hour! As one would expect, the venerable
4.5 liter straight six-cylinder engine, the four-speed manual
transmission and the entirety of the drivetrain and chassis has
been meticulously restored. Frankly, the restoration quality of the
chassis and drivetrain is likely better than from the Bentley
Motors factory when it was new. The engine is absolutely silent,
reinforcing Bentleys tagline of being the Silent Sportscar. The
finishes are largely in gloss black contrasted with white cadmium
plating. The driving experience is incredible as you peer over the
shapely hood and fenders. The suspension is silent and the car is
devoid of any rattles or unwanted noises. Overall, mechanically,
the Franay Bentley is a masterpiece. The Franay Bentley comes
complete with five storage bins of history, documentation, trophies
and awards, as well as many accessories including matching frog
skin ladies shoes and purse and more. Want to know more? For more
information and details, please call or text Harry Clark at
1.602.245.7200 or email us at
[email protected] . Classic
Promenade always offers a wide assortment of important Bentley and
Rolls-Royce motorcars at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to
offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections, and we help
coordinate shipping worldwide.
