Bentley Mk.VI - World Of Classic Cars -

Bentley Mk.VI Sedanca Coupe by Hooper 1949

Introduced in 1946, the Mk. VI was Bentley's first post-war model. Aimed at the emerging 'owner-driver' luxury car market, the newcomer was closely based on the 1939 Mk. V (of which only fifteen were produced). Built around a massive cruciform-braced chassis with independent front suspension and a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle, it was fitted with a freshly developed 4257cc OISE (overhead inlet side exhaust valve) straight-six engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Capable of over 100mph when clad in the factory's understated 'standard steel saloon' coachwork, the Mk. VI quickly developed a reputation for being a refined yet responsive drive. Though, the availability of the so-called 'Big Bore' 4566cc power plant from late 1951 onwards brought a welcome increase in flexibility and acceleration. However, despite the excellence of the 'basic' car, there remained a core of Bentley enthusiasts who found its styling too anonymous. The Mk.VI became the most successful Bentley model that Rolls-Royce ever built- and more successful too than any product from the time when Bentley had been an independent company.  Until 1952 it was built almost unchanged other than the engine upgrade. Roughly one-fifth of the 5,200 Bentley Mk. VI's built did not receive a standard body, but individual coachwork. After all, a considerable number of buyers could still be expected to prefer a body built and prepared just for them.