1949 Bentley MK VI Sedan

The Mark VI 4-door standard steel sports saloon was the first post-war luxury car from Bentley. Announced in May 1946 and produced from 1946 to 1952 it was also both the first car from Rolls-Royce with all-steel coachwork and the first complete car assembled and finished at their factory. These very expensive cars were a genuine success. Chassis continued to be supplied to independent coach builders.

Harking back to the days of the chauffeur driven saloon car, this Bentley has all the right lines, and looks. A beautiful interior in leather, a two-tone exterior with wide white sidewalls, shows nicely when automobiles were made by hand. Always having a reputation for a quality build, Bentley did not disappoint on this MK VI.

Exterior
A tall shining chrome grille greets you in all its glory, and is topped with the flying B. Shiny chromed brite work and mirrored headlights, gleam and melt into the red background that cover this curvaceous fenders that have spent many an hour on the English wheel all steel car. Recipient of an older restoration this car still presents nicely. Flaws are noted throughout the finish with cracking, chipping, fading, and bubbling under the finish. Striking silver takes over the middle of the body and follows the contours of the fenders and rockers on the lower end, while up top following the slightly sweeping body line. Out back is the boot with ample storage but presents with a slightly faded finish. Wide whites wrap the standard gray painted wheels which are adorned with shiny Bentley dog dish caps. Even with the flaws, a wonderful and classy presentation.

Interior
Saddle twin buckets that come together to create an almost bench with separate bottoms, backs and adjustments, show tufted interiors and plain bolsters. A massive rear bench spans from door to door and has plenty of fancywork for the arms and overstuffed cushions. We note heavy wear on the driver's bucket for both the upper and lower cushions, but the other seating positions appear as nearly new. On the back of the drivers and front passengers' seats, and beautiful flip down burl wood trays, for that Hors d'oeuvre and pre-party glass of bubbly. A beautiful burl dash with a few notable cracks houses various instrumentation as well as a large steering wheel while strictly British and is the norm as it is on the right-hand side. The spacious interior is grounded by lightly faded red Wilton carpeting.

Drivetrain
Sitting in a clean but slightly dusty engine bay, a clean Bentley 4.3 liter straight 6-cylinder fed by dual SU carbs. On the back is a 4-speed manual transmission which sends power back to a 3.42 geared rear axle.

Undercarriage
The suspension is independent at front with elliptic leaf springs at the rear. Brakes are hydraulic drums at both front and rear. With a top speed of 94mph, this Bentley Saloon was the high-performance luxury sedan of its time. Invasive rust is present in both of the trunk drop offs, lower rear quarter panels, and inner rockers and only surface rust covers the suspension, flooring and single exhaust system. Noted are the leather leaf spring gaiters for a touch of undercarriage class.

Drivability
I donned my best attire and rang up my partner in crime to pick me up in front of the test track. I left him to handle the driving while I enjoyed the finer things in life from the rear seat. We noted a slightly rough idle and an exhaust rattle, but a beautifully comfortable ride with adequate smooth acceleration, great handling for a car of its size and good braking. I was all smiles as I arrived for tea with the queen and my piggies did get their time to lovingly caress the plush Wilton carpeting.

This luxury vehicle used for transporting wealthy individuals around, still shows fairly well. Mechanically it is sound, and some areas of undercarriage repairs that are needed, as well as a few issues. Fall in love with the line of this Bentley by viewing the front and side angles, and one can see the beauty of a handbuilt automobile.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.