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2019 Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction
Lot
19

1951 Bentley Mk VI Saloon

PASSED IN

Passed In

Specifications

Engine 4257cc six-cylinder
Gearbox Four-speed manual
Body Work Saloon
Colour Two-tone Grey
Interior Beige
Trim Leather
Wheels Steel with hubcaps
Brakes Drum/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 coach-built to customer specifications, towards standardised production line 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.