1950 Bentley MKVI Roadster Special by Chelsea Workshop
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Highlights
- High quality special by Chelsea Workshop
- Very good condition with £18,000 recently invested
- Regularly used for European and UK tours
- One of only two built
- Engineered by Bentley Donnington Sports
The Appeal
Bentley’s post-war focus on luxury saloons means a dearth of the sort of high speed, open top sports tourers that established the firm’s reputation in the interwar years.
Thankfully the early cars had body-on chassis construction and, some years ago, inexpensive saloons were readily available. That has created an opportunity for enthusiasts who have indulged their interest in those classic sports tourers with the help of a range of very high end coachbuilders.
This gorgeous 1950 two seater was born out of that trend. Converted in 2002 by Chelsea Workshop - with engineering by Bentley Donnington Sports - on MkVI running gear, it is a carefully wrought car that channels the ethos of those pre-war cars distinctively. The result is a recognisably Bentley sports car - naturally in British Racing Green - that is comfortable and usable enough to enjoy on long-distance UK and European tours.
The current keeper has certainly done that, as the raft of evocative stickers on its wings indicate. The thick history file attests to the enthusiasm of its seven keepers - including a seven-page write-up by a 1960s owner - and includes £18,000 of recent investment.
This Special is one of two built and has a level of provenance rare on these bespoke cars. This is one for the collector who appreciates quality but also enjoys using and enjoying classics with fellow enthusiasts on UK and European tours.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 29th September 1950
- Seven registered keepers from new
- Supplying dealer The Paragon (Hull) Motor Company
- Period image of this car with original body
- Seven page close typed write up by a 1960s keeper
- Original delivery receipt and specification dated 29th September 1950
- Acquired by Chelsea Workshop in the 1990s as third keeper
- Previously owned 2006-2016 by Rt Hon Maurice Robson
- Current keeper since 2nd October 2021
- Previously a MkVI Standard Steel saloon in black with brown interior
- Converted to green on 1st June 2002 when the Special was created
- Chassis number B114HR
- We are advised of recent receipts for £18,000
- Features in Vol II of Ray Roberts’ ‘Bentley Specials and Special Bentleys’
- This notes the Chelsea work was undertaken by Peter Eatenton and I G Hawkins
- Rebodied by Chelsea Workshop with re-engineering by Bentley Donnington Sports
- History file includes old MOTs and raft of well organised invoices
- Correspondence with Bentley Owners Club in file
- Valuation certificate dated 7th September 2017 from Bentley Owners Club
- £4,900 spent with specialist in October 2017 on suspension repairs
- Fuel tank replaced in May 2017
- Last MOT expired 17th April 2019 with 8,418miles and no advisories
- 3,378 miles showing on 2009 test
- Now showing 13,396 miles
- Used regularly by recent keepers for European and UK touring
The Condition
- Refinished in Racing Green by Chelsea Workshop to high standard
- Older restoration from 2002 with sparing and caring use to preserve condition
- Well proportioned bodywork with neat Bentley cues including large meshed headlamps
- Vintage Blockley tyres fitted around 5 years ago with tidy steel wheels and chrome hubcaps
- Badge bar recording car’s illustrious history
- Green fabric roof in good condition with matching side screens
- Bodywork presents well with straight panelwork and no obvious deterioration
- Well kept underside with clean layer of underseal
- Tan leather interior with matching tonneau
- Bucket seats in good order with little signs of age
- Veneered dashboard is well kept with clear dials and switchgear showing only light wear
- Green carpets in good order and trimmed to high standard
- Four spoke vintage-style steering wheel with wood rim
- Various decals affixed to wing showing car’s touring history
- Fitted with inertia reel seatbelts
What sets any Bentley Special apart is the coachbuilders' provenance and the craftsmen's attention to detail. This example, believed one of two built, scores on both points. It is a well proportioned and high quality tourer that neatly balances the aesthetics of the interwar cars with a more modern and comfortable touring sensibility.
Classically finished in British Racing Green with a tan interior, it remains in very good condition despite healthy use by recent keepers on European and UK tours. There are some lovely touches inside and out that merely dial up the appeal of this bespoke sports car.
The Mechanics
- 4,257cc straight six Bentley hand-crafted engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- £18,000 recent investment across mechanicals
- Thick history file showing regular work by specialists
- Regular use for long distance UK and European tours without fault
- Reported to be in very good running and driving condition
The big straight six at the heart of this Special imbues it with suitably appropriate sports car performance. The conversion was completed by Chelsea Workshop around 22 years ago, since when the car appears to have covered around 13,000 miles.
Despite the regular but sparing use it has been maintained to a high standard using renowned specialists. We are told of £18,000 of recent mechanical investment - there is an invoice for £5,000 for suspension work amongst others. Recently owned by Bentley Owners Club members, this car is well known to the Club and has clearly been looked after in a manner you would consequently expect.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1950
- Make Bentley
- Model Mark VI
- Colour Dark green
- Odometer 13,393 Miles
- Engine size 4257
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Chelmsford
- Location Essex
- Country United Kingdom
61
bids
- da•••• £78,000 29/04/24
- Sl•••• £77,500 29/04/24
- da•••• £77,000 29/04/24
- da•••• £76,500 29/04/24
- re•••• £76,000 29/04/24
- da•••• £75,500 29/04/24
- Sl•••• £75,000 29/04/24
- Sl•••• £74,500 29/04/24
- da•••• £74,000 29/04/24
- Sl•••• £73,500 29/04/24
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