Vehicle Description
1946 marked a significant point in Bentley's long and storied
history. For the first time ever, their new production chassis
would be clothed in a factory-built body that would be offered in
showrooms. Known (rather unromantically) as the Standard Steel
Saloon, the new car featured handsome, if somewhat conservative
styling which was built by Pressed Steel Ltd, and assembled at the
newly integrated Rolls-Royce works in Crewe. Prior to the war, the
only way to get a new Bentley was to order a chassis and have it
fitted with any number of catalog or custom bodies supplied by
independent coachbuilders. This practice was falling out of favor
with buyers as it was somewhat impractical and quite costly.� Of
course, Bentley was still quite happy to supply a MkVI chassis to
any number of builders such as Hooper, Freestone & Webb, H.J.
Mulliner and Park Ward. Most buyers opted for the Standard Steel
Saloon, however, which helped make the MkVI Bentley's most
successful model to date. Mechanically, the MkVI it was similar to
the pre-war MkV, with independent front suspension on the
substantial ladder chassis and a 4.25 liter inline six. For the
1952 model year, the spec was updated to 4.5 liters and available
with either an automatic or four-speed manual gearbox. When
properly maintained, the MkVI is a reliable and robust motorcar
with that exhibits the delightful over-engineered feeling of a
classic Bentley. 4,946 examples were produced, until it was
ultimately replaced by the R-Type. Most MkVIs left Crewe wearing
the Standard Steel Saloon body, though a small portion of
production did receive coachbuilt bodies. A wide variety of styles
and configurations of coachbuilt bodies were featured on the MkVI
chassis, some more successful than others. By 1952 when this
wonderful example was built, H.J. Mulliner had become one of
Crewe's favored design houses. In operation since the turn of the
20th century, this storied coachbuilder has had its work grace some
of the most desirable cars ever produced. For the MkVI, H.J.
Mulliner supplied several different options for clients seeking a
more select machine, set apart from the Standard Steel Saloon. Some
closely resembled the factory offering while others posed a more
radical departure. This handsome example wears a special four-door,
six-light "lightweight" body style that was offered in the Mulliner
catalog between 1951 and 1954. This lovely body style fell
somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, retaining some of the
MkVIs signature curves and edges though with a touch of modern
detailing such as faired in fenders and an open, airy glasshouse
and flat roof. Some of the design queues even hint at the design of
the Silver Cloud/S-Series that was still several years away. This
honest and attractive example presents very handsomely in dark blue
upper body over light gray wings and swage lines, with blue coach
stripes tying the colors together nicely. The paint is older but
still quite nice, and the chrome and brightwork are all in good
condition, well presented and attractive with no damage or
corrosion to speak of. Some of the body rubbers are showing their
age, though they do remain intact and functional. The cabin is in
remarkably well-preserved condition. Blue Connolly leather seats
and door panels and Wilton carpets were replaced at the time of
restoration in the 1980s and have since taken on a lovely patina
over the years. Surprisingly, the upholstery shows no rips, tears
or separations. The original wool headlining is also in excellent
order. Interior woodwork is in fine condition and largely original.
Wood adorns the dash, front and rear door caps, window surrounds
and rear picnic trays. Some minor delamination is occurring,
particularly on the door caps, but the presentation is still
attractive and inviting to passengers. This being a 1952 model, it
is equipped with the more desirable "big bore" 4.5 liter engine,
which presents well thanks to a comprehensive recent detailing. The
engine is backed by Bentley's 4-speed manual gearbox, which on this
right hand drive version, is operated by the signature right-hand
shift lever. These four speed gearboxes are particularly sweet to
operate, with a satisfyingly mechanical click-clack as you move
through the gates, enjoying the copious torque on offer from the
big "six". This attractive MkVI represents an excellent opportunity
to acquire a sound and usable Bentley wearing a desirable
coachbuilt H.J. Mulliner body at a tremendous value.
