1949 Bentley Mark VI H.J. Mulliner |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1949 Bentley Mark VI H.J. Mulliner

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Mileage~54,300
TransmissionManual
Engine4.2L
LocationRedcar

AUCTION CLOSED

1949 Bentley Mark VI H.J. Mulliner

Introduction

Kristina Leikaite

Professional Consigner

A coach-built aluminium bodied 1940s sports saloon, the Bentley Mark VI was far ahead of its time with advanced equipment and a powerful 4.2L engine.

The Mark VI was Bentleys first post-war luxury car, announced in May 1946 and produced until 1952. It was also the first car from Rolls-Royce where they assembled and finished the cars at their factory. Some coach-built examples were still produced, like this example from Mulliner. The new car had plenty of modern technology to boast about, the chassis was also very advance for the time with independent front suspension, servo assisted brakes, a four-speed gearbox with synchromesh, and a very useful centralised chassis lubrication system. The straight-six block was praised by customers and motoring journalists for its smoothness, power and reliability.

This particular example is coming to market from 9 years of ownership, finished in a gorgeous cream over maroon the car has that 1940s class to it. Importantly, it's a rare "Lightweight" version of the Mark VI, coach-built by H.J. Mulliner with an aluminium body compared to the usual steel examples.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Kristina after meeting Dave the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

It's been a pleasure to own and drive this rare classic sports saloon over the past 9 years.

Dave has been the proud owner of this MK VI for the last 9 years. In that time he's covered ~2,000 miles. The car has been used for high days and holidays. When looking for a Bentley MKVI, Dave was specifically after an example with an unmolested chassis, this one is just that. Add to this the fact that is was one of the rare coach-built aluminium bodied examples, and he didn't hesitate to acquire it. The previous owner had had the chassis wax oiled to prevent any corrosion seeping in, and some remedial work to the front wings along with being painted in 2012. Since then, the car has been mechanically and cosmetically maintained by Dave.

Due to lack of space and use Dave feels that the car needs a new home and will be happy to answer any questions in the comment section below.

Dave

Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Using aircraft construction techniques that H.J Mulliner perfected during the war, this Mark VI is an elegant, light, aluminium bodied hand-built masterpiece.

Wheels and Tyres

The car sits on 16" wheels with body matching maroon centre wheel caps. Each wheel looks good for the age and mileage. If we were being really picky they would benefit from some attention around the outer edges.

The wheels are wrapped in Bridgestone Radial V-Steel tyres, and they do appear aged in places. Dave assures us there's plenty of tread left for the new owner to enjoy the car and mentions all the tyres hold their pressure well.

Bodywork

Built by hand from coach-builders H.J. Mulliner with an aluminium body, this Bentley boasts elegant curves unlike any modern car on the road today, pure class.

The bodywork appears in great condition, a solid example having been maintained over the previous years to a high standard. Shut lines and panel gaps all look good and true for a car of this age. Dave reports that the front wings were refurbished and painted in 2012 by Hightone.

Paint

An elegant two-tone paint scheme with cream over a maroon red, which really suits the curves of this car.

Overall the paint looks very good, even in colour and coverage across each panel having been resprayed in the past. Being really picky, there is some very minor stone chips around the front arches and some very light spots of lacquer peel on the offside front wing and boot.

Please view the extensive photo gallery and high-resolution video for a closer look yourself.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks in great condition across the car, along with the window rubbers, which appear tight and free from any degradation.

No major cracks or chips were observed. The chrome trim looks in very good condition and shows it's really been given the attention it deserves with no obvious signs of pitting.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Historic engineering and coachbuilding at its finest, this example finished in luxurious chocolate leather.

Seats and Carpets

Fitted with its original dark brown leather seats throughout, they look in good condition for their age, and show pleasing signs of patina. The driver's seat has a few larger cracks, as you would expect with use over some 72 years.

The headlining and door cards appear in line with the age and mileage of the car, still a treat to sit within today.

Dashboard

A classy wooden dashboard appears in great original condition in line with the age and mileage of the car.

Dave reports the instruments and controls are in good working order, except the fuel gauge which isn't registering correctly.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Featuring the original 3-spoke steering wheel which appears in good condition in line with the age and mileage of the car.

Please take a look at the photos to inspect the interior in great detail.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Engine and Gearbox

In 1950 Autocar magazine reported that the car when in top gear, had great flexibility all the way down to 6MPH, and with the ability to climb a hill of 1 in 9 maximum gradients with complicated bends. The horsepower from factory was never disclosed, but clearly the set-up of the straight six block gave the car plenty of torque for the time.

The car started the first time in our cold start video which we conducted for the mechanical video. Please take a look at the mechanical video to see the engine bay in more detail as well as footage underneath the car. Dave has let us know that is should be noted the clutch is on its maximum adjustment.

Suspension and Brakes

The Mark VI featured independent front suspension by helical springs; a new and stronger chassis frame and improved brakes.

Dave reports the brakes and the suspension are both fully operational with no unusual knocks or noises coming from the car while driving it around town.

The Drive

Dave reports that the MKVI motors well and the top speed was known to be well in excess of 90MPH, ideal for keeping up with modern traffic today. He however prefers to take a slower approach when driving this car, enjoying the journey in a gentle cruise rather than rushing.

Electrics and Other

Dave reports that all the switches, lights, and buttons work as they should to his knowledge. As mentioned previously, the petrol gauge is not registering correctly, and Dave also let us know that the rear window electric blind is also not operational, he believes it is an electrical fault which hopefully is a simple fix for those with the know how.

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History and Paperwork

With a large history file, this aluminium bodied Mark VI Bentley sports saloon has been given the love it deserves over the last 72 years.

The car comes with a good amount of MOT reports and history including details from the factory. Originally the car was painted black, and at some point it was given a new look through the current colour scheme. The car was subject to major work on the aluminium wings in 2012. This is one of ~120 aluminium bodied versions, most you'll see on the market are steel body examples, this one built to order by coach-builders H.J. Mulliner.

This is a luxury classic from the 1940s ready to be used and enjoyed, Dave has mechanically and cosmetically maintained the car himself over the past 9 years. He'll be more than happy to answer any of your questions in the comments below.

We've actioned checks on; Seller ID, V5, HPi.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
05.03.2015	MOT	53,958
21.04.2012	MOT	52,101
02.03.2011	MOT	51,663
03.02.2010	MOT	51,564
08.01.2009	MOT	51,299
15.01.2008	MOT	51,040
09.01.2007	MOT	50,457
11.01.2006	MOT	50,078
10.01.2005	MOT	49,410
13.01.2004	MOT	48,852
21.02.2003	MOT	48,250
10.01.2002	MOT	47,743
16.01.2001	MOT	47,408
05.03.1999	MOT	46,886
06.02.1998	MOT	46,011
08.01.1997	MOT	44,610
18.12.1995	MOT	43,396
02.09.1994	MOT	43,152
06.07.1993	MOT	42,049
23.06.1992	MOT	42,041
04.05.1990	MOT	41,944
05.02.1989	MOT	41,117