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2011 Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction
Lot
19

1950 Bentley Mark VI Saloon

$27,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine 6 cylinder, 4 1/4 litre
Gearbox 4 speed Manual
Body Work Saloon
Colour Black/Gunmetal
Interior Light Grey
Trim Leather
Wheels Steel Disc
Brakes Drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

The Mark VI range was the first post-war production car from Bentley and marked a shift away from cars being individually coachbuilt to customer specifications towards standardised bodywork. The Mark VI was assembled at Crewe with the vast majority receiving a four-door saloon body made by Pressed Steel. The smaller, lighter Mark VI was oriented towards the owner-driver when launched in May 1946 and won universal praise for its excellent performance and road manners. Powering the Bentley was a 4257cc B60 six-cylinder engine with light alloy cylinder head, developing an estimated 130bhp - making a genuine 100mph possible. The chassis of the Mark VI had coil-sprung front suspension and rode on a 120-inch wheelbase, making the new model considerably more compact than pre-war models. During the lifespan of the Mark VI (and its successor, the R-Type, with larger 4566cc engine and bigger boot) it sold very well in Australia, making us the largest export market in the world for these cars. Today, the Mark VI is justifiably recognised as being a very underrated classic post-war saloon, with strong performance, excellent build quality and plenty of character available for a very reasonable outlay.