Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tuesday 9th September from 12pm
Auction: Wednesday 10th September from 9am
Location: Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1949 Bentley Mark VI
No Reserve - Entered from the Dering Collection
Registration No: KXN 880
Chassis No: B356FV
MOT: Exempt
Entered from the Dering Collection, the property of a gentleman racing driver
Believed to have been supplied new to Major Donald Callander, one of the last British Army officers to go to battle in a kilt
In continuous family ownership from 1961 to 2001
Previously subject to extensive restoration works documented as having cost over £25, 000 in the 1990s
Supplied with a thick history file detailing expenditure plus copies of the chassis cards
Introduced in 1946, Bentley's Mk. VI 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 Mk. V (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 4, 257cc 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 Mk. VI quickly developed a reputation for being a refined yet responsive drive.
Originally Black with a Tan interior, chassis B356FV was supplied through Brooklands of Bond Street to Major D. Callander of Trabboch House, Mauchline, Ayrshire. This is thought to be Major Donald Callander (1918-92), a war hero with the Cameron Highlanders who has the unusual distinction of being one of the last British Army officers to lead his men to battle wearing a kilt. Its original specification included an HMV radio, heater and demister, sunvisors, sliding roof, picnic tables and smoking companions. The major covered 65, 767 miles up to the spring of 1955, when he handed the Bentley over to Jack Barclay to be sold on.
From June, 1955, the new owner was G. J. Lea-Barker of Torquay, but in 1961, painted Grey, it was acquired by Foster Yeoman Ltd. at Dulcote Quarry, Wells, Somerset. A change of keeper shortly thereafter concerns a gentleman living at Abbey Gatehouse, a famous Norman building on Bristol’s College Green, before it returned to Foster Yeoman in 1969. At some stage, the car fell out of use but was retained by the Yeoman family, and eventually revived by John Yeoman. From 1995 to 1997, Holcombe Engineering thoroughly overhauled the engine, chassis and body, which cost over £25, 000. An undated document reports that the engine was reassembled and sleeved, with a new clutch assembly fitted. The chassis was straightened and stove-enamelled, body panels were replaced “where necessary”, the interior received new upholstery, headlining and carpets, and the electrics were rewired.
Only 300 miles were covered between 1997 and 2001, when B356FV left the Yeoman family. Electronic ignition was fitted in 2012, and since 2015 it has resided in the collection of a gentleman racing driver and enthusiastic Bentley Drivers’ Club member. Beautifully presented, it will require recommissioning having been out of use since 2014. Documentation includes two original handbooks, the 1961 buff logbook, copies of the build sheets and Jack Barclay records, MOT certificates from 1997 to 2012, and many invoices dating back to 1995.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
