Highlights
- The first Bentley fully built in house
- First luxury post war Bentley
- A truly amazing and unique barn find
The Appeal
There is something so incredibly appealing about a barn find, the mystery behind the story of the car is something that consumes just about any car enthusiast, and the level of appeal is well and truly turned up to maximum when the car in question is one of the most important Bentley models in the company's history.
The Bentley MK6, the first luxury post war Bentley, and importantly the first Bentley built fully in house, the MK6 can be seen as the model that shaped Bentley’s future as a maker of marvellous luxury automobiles. A very significant car indeed.
This 1947 model has been unearthed from its current resting place in surprisingly complete and original form and as such could prove to be a perfect restoration candidate for the avid Bentley enthusiast.
With some skill and passion this MK6 can surely be revitalised to its former glory.
With some skill and passion this MK6 can surely be revitalised to its former glory.
The History and Paperwork
- Early MK6 first registered in 1947
- Purchased as part of a collection of British post and pre war cars before being put into the barn where it has spent the last chunk of its life
- No V5 present with the vehicle
- Tax and MOT exempt due to historic status
The Interior
- Leather upholstery
- Still possess many invaluable original parts
- In need of restoration
In its day the MK6 would have been the absolute pinnacle of luxury motoring.
Well appointed with sumptuous leather and awash with excellent luxury features most at the time could only dream of. The MK6 most definitely embodied the idea of post war British luxury, and was unquestionably an excellent first attempt at an in house production interior by Bentley.
Well appointed with sumptuous leather and awash with excellent luxury features most at the time could only dream of. The MK6 most definitely embodied the idea of post war British luxury, and was unquestionably an excellent first attempt at an in house production interior by Bentley.
Unfortunately, as is all too common with barn finds, the interior of this MK6 has deteriorated over the years and will now require refurbishment and reupholstering to make right and bring back to the standard which it deserves.
It does appear however that many of the desirable and original parts and panels the car would have been fitted with from the factory are still present and accounted for within the car.
It does appear however that many of the desirable and original parts and panels the car would have been fitted with from the factory are still present and accounted for within the car.
The Exterior
- Simply beautiful body design
- Largely complete with chrome, lights and trim
- Original condition
Its quintessential British design and craftsmanship, an exhibition of beautiful flowing lines and tremendous brightwork, the MK6 is in one word, exquisite.
Coated in a fitting deep black paint scheme that simply exudes class, the bodywork does show signs of ageing and patina, with the paint being faded and blemished in some areas, reflecting age and barn find nature of the vehicle.
Coated in a fitting deep black paint scheme that simply exudes class, the bodywork does show signs of ageing and patina, with the paint being faded and blemished in some areas, reflecting age and barn find nature of the vehicle.
All angles of the MK6 boast suave and unquestionably classy chrome trim and hardware, no more so than the front end, showcasing a series of lights vents and that iconic grille, all in great condition. Unfortunately, the removable Bentley bonnet ornament has been removed and lost and one of the aforementioned spotlights is smashed.
All four wheels are painted in a contrasting white hue with metal centres, these are all in fair condition however could benefit from some attention along with the rest of the exterior.
Largely complete, this MK6 lends itself well to a quality cosmetic restoration to present in perfect form.
The Mechanics
- Engine present and appears largely complete
- Ideal candidate for rebuild and refurbishment
Being an earlier MK6 we believe that the engine found under the bonnet in this particular example to be the excellent 4 ¼ litre inline six Bentley engine.
Whilst it does appear to be largely complete, the engine has not attempted to be turned over or started to air on the side of caution and prevent any unnecessary damage from occurring to the motor.
Whilst it does appear to be largely complete, the engine has not attempted to be turned over or started to air on the side of caution and prevent any unnecessary damage from occurring to the motor.
With a large and committed community of Bentley specialists and parts suppliers, this engine would appear to be a great subject for an extensive rebuild and refurbishment and will surely be back and wafting along the road in no time.
Summary
As barn finds go, this is certainly one of the more exciting ones.
An effortlessly classy 1940s luxury cruiser which lends itself marvellously to a high quality restoration, HUR 697 will hopefully be brought back to road going condition at the hands of a new loving owner.
For someone who wants to own an iconic Bentley with a unique and quite frankly epic story to go along with it, look no further.
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