Bentley MkVI James Young sports saloon

History

"The Bentley Mark VI gains its unique position from a combination of superbly matched qualities that raise it above the level of other cars. Years of painstaking research and development with mechanical perfection as the goal show their results unmistakably. Smoothness and quietness and sheer quality are in the superlative." Autocar, Spring 1950.

Launched in 1946, the MkVI was the first post-war Bentley to come out of the Rolls-Royce factory in Crewe – which had been flat out for the previous six years making Merlin engines for the war-winning Spitfire. Power came from a beautifully smooth 4.25-litre straight six engine with twin SU carbs and aluminum cylinder head that was good for 95mph. Drive was sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox (floor-mounted to the right of the driver) with single plate clutch. Servo assisted drum brakes provided the stopping power while suspension was independent with coil springs.

Most of the 5,200 MkVI models produced  were factory-fitted with a Standard Steel Saloon body but around 20 per cent were sent out in chassis form to be individually bodied by specialist coachbuilders such as HJ Mulliner, Park Ward and Saoutchik. This particular car is one of 212 chassis that were bodied by James Young coachworks in various 2- and 4-door designs.

Built to special order for Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk, it was fitted over a 7-month period with an aluminium 4-door sports saloon body in the fashionable razor-edge style. Originally black, it was painted in its current light blue in the mid-1960s. The interior is totally original and nicely patinated after 150,000 miles and it still wears its nice original number plates, KLM 136.

The current vendor has owned the car since 2001 and states that the 9,000 miles he has covered in that time have been wholly trouble-free: "Her mechanical condition is excellent and I would trust her anywhere. All the instruments work, excellent oil pressure at all times and she runs an even and constant temperature. Starts first time every time and is a delight to drive with great torque."

The original tool and wheel changing kits are still with the car and the Bijur chassis lubrication system is still fully functional. The car comes with a large history file to show regular use and maintenance and has every MOT back to 1976, since when it has covered 16,500 miles. Significant work within the last few years includes a new windscreen, new heater matrix, new wiper motor, new spring gaiters, new brake linings, five new tyres and a full rebuild of the original Radiomobile 100 car radio. The MOT runs until March 2008 and the tax until July.

Altogether a most fascinating and rare car, driving well and with a good history, that will amply reward the sympathetic cosmetic detailing that is now required to restore her to her former glory.