Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
29th November, 2023 13:00
1952 Bentley MkVI Saloon
Estimate £23, 000 - £26, 000
Registration No: MXF 692
Chassis No: B411NY
MOT: Exempt
Delivered new to Jack Olding & Co Ltd of London W1 and sold new to Mr P Elden-Lee of Sheffield
Later 'big-bore small boot' example
Previously maintained by Mulsanne Motors and fitted with electronic ignition
Offered with copies of the chassis cards records, original handbook and a workshop manual
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.
Offered from a private collection, this remarkable Bentley MkVI 1952, is one of the later, more desirable 'big-bore small boot' Mk VIs equipped with the more powerful 4, 566cc engine, as fitted to the last 1, 200 cars built. 'MXF 692' was delivered new to Jack Olding & Co Ltd of London W1 and sold new to Mr P Elden-Lee of Sheffield and had previously spent time in Melrose on a private estate. Although seldom used, the car is said to perform beautifully with a smooth, quiet engine holding excellent oil pressure, and a smooth-changing all-synchromesh gearbox and is understood to have covered only c. 65, 800 miles.
Bare-metal re-sprayed in 1994, ?MXF 692? appears very original and has a lovely interior. The body and paintwork, the very attractive and elegant colour scheme of Black and Cherry Red, present exceptionally well, as does the chrome work. The body is straight with very good panels, while the engine bay and boot are very presentable. The Red leather upholstery has been kept in superb order and the woodwork and headlining are very smart. The carpets have been replaced in recent years and are like new. The original tool kit and torch are still intact, and the car also comes with an original handbook and a workshop manual.
?MXF 692? has previously been maintained by Bentley and Rolls-Royce specialists Mulsanne Motors and is also fitted with Electronic ignition. Accompanying documentation includes a copy of the chassis cards; mileage record since 1990; and a quantity of MOT certificates. A wonderful opportunity to own an honest Bentley MkVI ideal for long-distance touring.
