Highlights

Beautifully presented
Impressive history file
Recent restoration

The Appeal

The popularity of Bentley's MK IV was one of the unexpected success stories during the post-war era of the 'Export or Die' incentive. Its success could be attributed to the keener pricing, compact size and good driving characteristics which helped to draw in younger owners.

The majority of cars were sold with the factory-built Standard Steel body, the MK IV was one of the last uniquely styled Bentleys before Rolls Royce shared designs. Built for longevity, these roomy, elegant and beautifully engineered cars would have also been boosted by their usability, sumptuous accommodation and potent straight-six power.

This recently-restored and well-maintained example was originally finished in black, it was subject to an initial restoration in the 1970s which saw it re-emerge in this very appealing metallic bronze two-tone livery. Originally registered in the UK in 1951, it spent a period in the late 1970s in America, before being re-imported back into the UK.

Subject to continuous attention since then, it saw a further documented restoration around 5 years ago. As one of the later MK IV models, it is fitted with the preferred 4.5-litre engine and has a very detailed provenance.

The History and Paperwork

Registered in 1952 by Weybridge Autos Ltd having originally been finished in black
Copy of work instructions documentation confirming its authenticity
The same documents state the car's first six owners into the 1960s
Imported over to California in the 1970s
Subject to bodywork restoration and interior refit in 1979, with additional invoices into the 80s
Imported and re-registered back into the UK in 1989
7 subsequent owners over this period, most of which are documented in the invoices and DLVA notes
Regularly maintained and serviced throughout the 90s
Spent a short spell in central France in the mid-90s according to several maintenance bills
Subjected to a £12,000 restoration in 2020 with a CD ROM documenting the work by Gilbert Michaelson
V5C present
Big folder of files, invoices and correspondence going back to the 1970s
DVLA documents tracking back owners back to 1989
Comes with its handbook, tool kit, jack and torch
Former Bentley Driver Club car
The last MOT was carried out in September 2022 but is MOT and Tax-exempt
Taken on by the current owner to be used as a film and wedding car

The Interior

The interior is a lovely place to be, with evidence of thorough and sensitive restoration work
Sumptuous grey leather seats do show age but are free of rips and retains a pleasing patina
The carpets are in good shape with some minor wear in the driver's footwell but all are free of dampness
The high-gloss walnut veneer finishing on the dashboard is decent, with a non-distracting blemish noted on the top of the left-hand side
The facia is neatly presented, with full legible dials and decent switchgear
All are said to function
Bakelite steering wheel in original condition, with fractures and age but presents well
Front door cards have unfortunately been fitted with speakers, otherwise all are in fine shape
Headlining in good condition with no damage - sunroof not operational
Rear picnic tables and footrests included
Black carpeted boot in decent shape, with no water ingress. Boot seals show age-related wear

The Exterior

The chassis appears to be in a solid state with no issues noted on the suspension mounts
The floorpan is intact with no issues in terms of the bulkhead or wheel wells
The exterior presents well, with no dents or panel scuffs
The panel fit is cohesive with even shut lines
The appealing walnut over sand colour scheme suits the grand demeanour of the car
The paintwork has been well applied, with a pleasing lustre and even finish
There are a handful of underpaint reactions in places, with blemishes noted on the nearside front door, roof and where the wings meet the body
Some bubbling on the front wings and paint damage were noted on the nearside bonnet
Overall the car is free of chips, with a handful of minor scuffs spotted
Pin striping intact
Chromework and body trim are in very good order, with several parts being subject to a recent re-chroming
Specified from the factory with a locking bonnet mechanism
Lenses are clear of damage and hazing
The glass is free of lamination damage and is free of significant flaws
The wheel trims are intact
The Michelin tyres are in good shape with plenty of even tread

The Mechanics

Straight-six 4,566cc with 4-speed manual gearbox
Starts up instantly and idles smoothly with no unwanted engine noises
Said to drive very nicely with the willing big-bore engine pulling well
Appears to change gears with ease
Engine presentation positive with evidence of maintenance
The owner has not reported any issues with engine temperature or oil pressure
Documentation and invoices of regular maintenance and upkeep to back this up
Suspension components appear to be in good shape with no knocks or noises reported
The car is said to ride very well, with no reported issues with its handling thanks to its modern Michelin tyres
A new clutch has been recently fitted
A washer pump and road spring fitted in the last 5 years
The brakes are effective and in line with the expectations of a car of this age

Summary

Despite its advancing years, the MK IV is a surprisingly able car, with a natural ability to cruise but obviously lends itself perfectly as a wedding/prom car. With decades' worth of mechanical upkeep and a recent restoration, the Bentley appears to have plenty of life ahead of it.

It retains its sense of occasion and decorum, yet it is a comparatively sensible driving experience considering it could easily pass as a millionaire's carriage.

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