FROM THE SHOWROOM
OF
125 Harlequin Avenue, Great West Road, London, TW8 9EW
Tel: 020 8847 5447 Fax: 020 8560 5748
E-mail: info@frankdale.com
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| Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd made a complete departure from their former
policy by announcing in 1946 the introduction of an entirely new
Bentley that was factory built throughout. It was fitted with their
design of "Standard" all steel bodywork, finished and furnished at Crewe
where Bentley production still continues to this day. The tried and
tested six cylinder 4256cc engine was retained, fitted with detachable
aluminium alloy cylinder head with inserted valve seats. This was fitted
to a frame chassis which was riveted with cruciform centre bracing and a
box section pan to support the front suspension components. Lubrication
was by a Bijur centralised system, operated by a foot pump situated
just to the left of the steering column on right hand drive motor cars.
It was advised that this pedal should be depressed once every one
hundred miles. The manual gearbox had four forward gears with
synchromesh on second, third and fourth gear. Despite the relatively
high price tag when compared to other luxury cars available immediately
after the war, the demand for this motor car was substantial. Sales were
of such a brisk nature that customers were soon advised to be patient,
with waiting lists for new Bentley Mk VIs becoming ever longer, with
lead times stretching to over three years by the early 1950s. Production
lasted until 1952 with more than 5,000 chassis finding their way to
lucky new owners making it one of Bentleys most successful models ever.
The vast majority of Bentley Mk VIs produced were fitted with the new
standard steel coachwork from the factory, however in keeping with
tradition special coachbuilt bodies were also available upon request.
Chassis No B397BG was completed in late 1947 and first registered in
January of 1948, fitted with woody style shooting brake coachwork by
Harold Radford. This was the first of only eight cars built in this
style by Radford on the Mk VI chassis and following testing by
Rolls-Royce in the summer of 1948 it became Harold Radfords personal car
and factory demonstrator. When producing such a car, Radford retained
the standard Mk VI chassis, bonnet and radiator grill whilst the floor
pan and scuttle were modified to suit the new style coachwork. Fitted
with only front seats, the rear portion of the car consists of an
expansive luggage storage area, finished with beautifully varnished wood
panels. Chassis No B397BG was restored in the mid 1980s by Smiths of
Southend, at the request of the then owner Mr Paul Kunkel. The car has
subsequently changed hands twice since 1994 and more recently was
upgraded with a late series Bentley S1 engine, with power steering and
also a high ratio back axle. The original engine, Engine No B398B is
still present and correct with the car too. It comes complete with copy
factory chassis cards, history file, handbook and an old style logbook
issued in 1953. We are delighted to be offering this very interesting
and attractive Mk VI Bentley for sale, a car that we think will provide
its next fortunate owner with a great deal of enjoyment. If you would like to make an enquiry about this vehicle, please contact us by phone on  020 8847 5447 or by email at sales@frankdale.com    |
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