1948 Bentley Mark VI 2-Door Coupe
• Original razor-edge coachwork by James Young Ltd
• 4.3 Liter 6-cylinder engine with dual carburetors
• Newly painted exterior; interior recently re-trimmed
Here we have an exceedingly handsome and especially rare coachbuilt
1948 Bentley Mark VI. Its handcrafted body was designed and built
by James Young Ltd—one of the most prestigious of British
coachbuilders. Founded in 1863, the venerable firm first bodied a
Bentley in 1921, and turned out its last for the marque in
1968.
The story of this 1948 Mark VI’s attractive coachwork begins in
1939. That year, James Young Ltd debuted a very similar 4-1/4
Bentley coupe featuring sharply defined “razor-edge” lines. Its
side-windows were encased in quite narrow frames and separated by a
very thin center pillar (the appearance was similar to that of a
later two-door hardtop, windows up). The striking James Young car
won top honors at a prominent 1939 concours. Soon after, World War
II erupted, ending Bentley car production for the duration.
After peace returned, James Young Ltd adapted its acclaimed
razor-edge coupe design to the post-war Bentley Mark VI chassis.
However, the era of the custom-order handcrafted automobile was by
then waning. Most of the 4,946 Mark VI cars produced between l946
and 1952 would use the standard mass-produced 4-door Saloon body
designed by Bentley. Relatively few Mark VI chassis were equipped
with genuine coachbuilt bodies, and among that elite group were the
very small number of Mark VI James Young “2-door Sport Saloon”
coupes constructed—of which we are pleased to offer this surviving
example.
Founded by W. O. Bentley in 1919, the marque bearing his name
quickly became famous for its potent competition models. Twelve
years later, in the midst of the Great Depression, Rolls Royce
acquired W. O.’s financially troubled company. In 1933, a new
Bentley emerged. It was a top-notch and very civilized
high-performance machine that its maker quite justly advertised as,
“The Silent Sports Car.”
For 1936, Bentley introduced its “4-1/4 Litre” chassis, powered by
a higher performance version of the contemporary 4.3-liter Rolls
Royce 25/30 series engine. The Bentley 4-1/4 would be remembered by
aficionados as “one of the most pleasing pre-war touring cars.”
After World War II ended, the pre-war Bentley was further refined
before being reintroduced in late 1946 as the Mark VI. Designed for
the owner-driver of means, the Mark VI attracted discerning buyers
worldwide with its pleasing combination of impressive performance
and traditional luxuries.
The 120-inch wheelbase Mark VI benefited from its front coil-spring
independent suspension. The firmness of the rear leaf spring’s
hydraulic dampers (shock absorbers) was adjustable from the
steering wheel center. A pedal-operated system lubricated the
suspension’s moving parts from a central reservoir. The four-wheel
drum brakes had mechanical servo assist.
Retaining the 4257cc displacement of the 4-1/4, the Mark VI engine
adapted an F-head layout, with overhead inlet and side exhaust,
valves. Equipped with twin side-draft SU carburetors, the Mark VI
powerplant produced an estimated 125 horsepower. The transmission
was a 4-speed fully synchronized manual design. Road testers found
the Mark VI capable of cruising at 90-95 mph—and noted the car
could move off smoothly in top gear from as low as six mph.
This very special and genuinely rare coachbuiit Bentley Mark VI
presents nicely and runs well. Its beautiful and regal dark green
paint has very recently been redone. The blackwall tires, which are
appropriate to the car, are of less recent vintage.
Inside, the Bentley is freshly and correctly trimmed in tan
leather. The lovely wood instrument board shows some age-related
patina and retains the factory-issue Smiths instruments and 8-day
clock. A period push-button radio is located at lower center. In
the rear compartment, twin fold-down wooden trays, beautifully
finished, are provided. The metal sunroof overhead stands ready to
add to the car’s open, spacious feel.
Our offered Mark VI is fully equipped for touring with auxiliary
road lamps and accessory turn signals (in addition to its original
semaphore “trafficators”). The period correct dual exterior
rearview mirrors greatly aid rear vision. The car is also equipped
with a windscreen washer, with original glass reservoir.
With its iconic Bentley radiator grille, razor-edge body styling
and elegant hardtop-type roof design, this remarkably rare and
superbly elegant coachbuilt Mark VI will turn heads wherever it
appears. And, since the Classic Car Club of America recognizes all
Bentleys manufactured from 1919 to 1948 as Classics, this splendid
Mark VI is eligible for CCCA tours and events.
There are invoices totaling over $40,000.00 available for engine,
paint, wood and interior completed in 2012. This car is one of 52
built with very few still known to exist.
