Registration No: MLP 737
Chassis No: B171MB
MOT: Exempt

• Sold by the family of the deceased owner who restored the car in 2007
• Comprehensive history file supplied
• Original matching numbers according to Bentley Chassis Card

Introduced in 1946, Bentley's MkVI was the first vehicle ever offered by the company with factory-designed coachwork, and the first to be assembled in Rolls-Royce's Crewe factory rather than the old Derby premises. Aimed at the emerging 'owner-driver' luxury car market, the newcomer was closely based on the 1939 MkV (of which only fifteen were produced). Built around a massive cruciform-braced chassis with independent front suspension and a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle, it was fitted with a freshly developed 4257cc OISE (overhead inlet side exhaust valve) straight-six engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Capable of over 100mph when clad in the factory's understated 'standard steel saloon' coachwork, the MkVI quickly developed a reputation for being a refined yet responsive drive.

Chassis B171MB was originally supplied via HR Owen Ltd to a Mr Barlett of A.R. Mallard Limited, 855 London Road, Maidstone, Kent on the 15th of November, 1951. Built as a Standard Steel Saloon, it was originally supplied in Tudor Grey with Maroon Leather interior. In 1955, the car was sold to Mrs L Rose, of Radlett, Hertfordshire. The next record of the car was in 1976, when extensive work was undertaken and it is understood that the car was then shipped to an owner in the USA. It was in America for approximately 23 years around which time it was resprayed in Maroon. The next owner bought the car in 1977 when she lived in California. This owner then took the car to Germany when she moved there and then finally returned the car to the UK when she took up residence in Twickenham in 2003. The car was then purchased in November 2004 by the deceased owner who promptly set about a partial restoration of the car including the Body, parts of the engine, front suspension, steering system, rear axle and rear springs which took 3 years and 6 months and the car was completed in 2007. The owner, an avid RREC and Bentley Drivers' Club member, used the car for many shows and long trips throughout his ownership until he sadly passed away last year. The family are now in possession of the car and have decided to sell it as it has started to deteriorate and they hope a new owner will continue the story of the preservation.

On inspection, is it evident that the car was very well-loved by the previous owner which the vendors agree with. The bodywork is finished in Maroon over Cream which is very appealing to the eye and although overall it would be useable, some rust has set in around the wheel arches and the paint has blistered in some areas so would require repainting for perfection. The vendor advises that the chassis is in very good condition and it appears to be well undersealed. The interior has evidently been refurbished well at some point in its life and the front seats are in fine fettle where the backseats may require some cleaning and restitching on a small tear on the squab which appears to be stitching rather than leather (thanks to the vendors' Rottweiler, who would insist on joining them on long tours). The Maroon carpets appear very fresh and the interior wood is in very good condition with only small areas of cracking in the lacquer. The vendors advise that the engine runs well with a strong clutch and gearbox, but a slight blow on the exhaust manifold makes it sound noisier than usual - we have traced this to a missing stud which shouldn't prove too difficult. Please note, the vendors recommend a full mechanical check over prior to use as the car has only been used sporadically since the death of the owner, a year ago.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430