Beschreibung:

The Mark VI was the first Bentley to be built after World War II. Unlike all previous Bentleys, it was offered with a "factory body." The four-door bodies were built by Pressed Steel and shipped to the Bentley works. Other bodies were still available from traditional coachbuilders, including H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, Gurney Nutting, James Young Freestone & Webb and Hooper. Attractive, but also very traditional in styling, the factory "saloon" bodies had a slight Hooper look about them, with a crease at the belt line that swept back to the rear. Fenders were clearly separate parts of the body and flowed into vestigial running boards. The body may have been new, but the vertical fluted grille was unmistakably Bentley and flanked by a headlamp fared into the inside edge of each front fender. Just because a standard body was used didn't mean that the interior eschewed traditional Bentley virtues. Fine woodwork, quality leather and rich wool carpeting made the passenger compartment a hospitable environment. Mechanically, the Mk VI was a blend of old and new. Initially, the F-head engine displaced 4,257cc, but was enlarged to 4,566cc in May 1951. The smaller engine had an estimated output of approximately 126-132 horsepower, while the bigger unit was estimated at 150 horsepower. Just one transmission was offered—a four-speed manual with synchromesh on the top three years. However, it was available with either a floor or column shift.Suspension was front independent by coil springs, with a live rear axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs. Brakes were drums at all wheels, but the fronts were hydraulically-operated, while a mechanical servo system activated the rears. Finished in Moss Green, chassis B201JN was delivered via York Motors of William Street, Sydney to Dr. M.Barry in April 1951, being one of 237 Mk VI Bentleys to reach Australia new. The car wore New South Wales plates VS-858 and remained in the original owner's hands until 1960, when it passed to S.A.Wheeler of Rose Bay, Sydney, with whom it remained until 1997 then passed to a Mr. Griffiths. In 2010 Mr. Griffiths passed the car to Mr. Davis, an ex-York Motors mechanic who worked on this very car during Mr Wheeler's 17 year ownership. Showing 138,587 miles and still registered on the original NSW plates, the Bentley still has the original leather and carpets. With full service history with factory agents (York Motors, Fox, McMillan Bentley and Trivetts) from new, a comprehensive history file containing many interesting details, job cards, invoices and the occasional photo, accompanies the car. In addition to the regular servicing and repairs are invoices for a full engine overhaul and gearbox overhaul. Most recently, new Dunlop road speed tyres have been fitted, a new electronic SU fuel pump and electronic ignition have been installed and a full service carried out. The car still has its original radio in full working order along with the original tools and hand books. This is a remarkably unmolested, original example of the ever popular Mk VI model, recognised as the most affordable, usable and practical example of post-war Bentley motoring.