1951-Bentley-Mk. VI Saloon

Description

1951 Bentley Mk VI Saloon
Claret with Cream sides and Interior
s/n B3KL

With iconic pre-war styling the Bentley Mk VI is an example of British motoring elegance. Built to the absolute highest standards in quality and comfort for Royalty and Captains of Industry, it is with good reason these cars has become collector pieces.

This particular has been fully restored and was actively shown by the current owner, routinely winning regional level concourses in Northern California, including a Best of Show at Chico. All the work done in the engine, engine bay, interior, and paint was done to a high caliber, and it is no surprise this car was an instant award winner. In July of 2007, Bentley Mk. VI expert Bradford Powers remarked: “I`ve seem more Mk. VI Bentleys that I could possibly count, and have found yours to be the most perfect and most original of all the Standard Steel saloons“.

The current, very long term owner bought this car in England in 1973 and exported to the US. Once the car was back in California, George Colgate was contracted to restore the car. The engine was rebuilt, among other mechanical items. The near perfect body and paint work was done by Joe the Painter.

Today the car remains in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition. The restoration work still appears fresh, and the car can be considered ready to show. The repaint was an outstanding job and aside for a half inch scratch in the trunk and a few chips in the frontal facing area, there are no flaws of any significance anywhere on the car. The chrome has some light hazing in selected areas, but is well above average and remains free of pitting or flaking. There is light curb rash to the right rear wheel, but the balance of the wheels is very good.

The interior is outstanding. The cream leather and comparatively dark red carpets make for a vibrant and striking color combination. The seats front and rear, door panels, headliner, and carpet upholstery are all extremely well preserved and free of any significant flaws. The dash wood varnish shows some fogging in selected areas, while the wood door trim and window surrounds and rear picnic shelves are perfect.

The car was driven to and from each of its shows. The engine bay reflects the very high caliber off the restoration work, and to a lesser degree the miles traveled to and from the events. We would estimate that the car has traveled approximately 10,000 miles since the motor was rebuilt and the engine bay detailed. The trunk was restored, and matches the condition of the interior.

The car starts easily and runs and drives well. In contrast to earlier Bentleys, this Mk. VI has a smooth and user friendly transmission. The brakes are effective, but tend to pull when cold. All the gauges and accessories appear to be fully functional, including the side mounted indicator arms.

The car comes with many of the trophies it has earned from the various shows it won around Northern California, the spare wheel and jack, extra carpet material, and associated manuals for the Mk. VI Bentley. It is the Mk VI`s elegant, iconic lines and eligibility for vintage tour events which makes this car such an attractive and usable classic. It would cost a fortune to replicate the quality and condition of this car, not to mention the time required to perform the restoration work.

A partial list of concourse awards include: Lafayette 2nd, Hillsborough 3rd, Palo Alto 2nd, Del Paso 2nd, Chico 1st, North Modesto 3rd.