Bentley Mark VI 4½-Litre Saloon, 1952
Bentley Mark VI
Bentley Mark VI•
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Chassis No.: B21PU
Estimate: £18,000 - £26,000 GBP
- Odometer reading: TBC
- MOT: Exempt
- In regular use as a wedding car for at least the last 20 years
- Reportedly solid mechanicals
- Cosmetically improveable
The policy of rationalisation begun in the late 1930s continued at Rolls-Royce after the war with the introduction of standard bodywork on the Mark VI Bentley. Rolls-Royce's first post-WW2 product, the Mark VI was introduced in 1946, a year ahead of the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith. Although mechanically similar to the Mark VI, the latter was exclusively a coachbuilt car, the first 'standard steel' Rolls-Royce, the Silver Dawn, not appearing until 1949.
The decision to offer a complete car with 'in house' bodywork had been dictated by harsh economic reality. 'Export or die' was the watchword of the late 1940s and the manufacture of standardised steel-bodied cars was deemed essential to selling in sufficient quantities to overseas markets. Despite the misgivings of traditionalists, exports rose steadily and, when the home market stabilised, the classically styled 'standard steel' bodywork proved equally acceptable, making up 80% of total production of this first post-war Bentley.
From the last Mark VI series produced prior to the R-Type's introduction, 'B21PU' has the 4,566cc engine introduced in 1951 and was subject to a extensive and older (pre-2005) restoration with expenditure reportedly in excess of £35,000. B21PU has been in daily use as a wedding car for at least the last 20 years by the previous owner and for 8 years by the sellers who are liquidating their fleet of wedding cars, some of which have not worked since the Covid pandemic. This Bentley is said to drive well, with plenty of get up and go, with a good engine and (manual) gearbox, while the bodywork and paint would benefit from the next owner's attention and in need of a service. Offered with a V5C document.
Vendor Score Total: 60 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 15 /25
Body Work: 3
Paint: 3
Glass: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Axles: 3
Suspension: 3
Brakes: 3
INTERIOR TOTAL: 12 /20
Seats: 3
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Trim: 3
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6 /10
Main components: 3
Ancillary components: 3
ENGINE TOTAL: 12 /20
Starting: 3
Running: 3
Under Bonnet: 3
Mechanical components: 3
Car History File: 3
