1951 Bentley Mark VI Saloon

• Formerly the property of Princess Ama Rigamonte Tasca Di Cutò
• 'Standard Steel' model
• An older restoration
• Present ownership since 2021

The policy of rationalisation begun in the late 1930s continued at Rolls-Royce after the war with the introduction of standard bodywork on the Mark VI Bentley. Rolls-Royce's first post-WW2 product, the Mark VI was introduced in 1946, a year ahead of the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith. Although mechanically similar to the Mark VI, the latter was exclusively a coachbuilt car, the first 'standard steel' Rolls-Royce, the Silver Dawn, not appearing until 1949.

The decision to offer a complete car with 'in house' bodywork had been dictated by harsh economic reality. 'Export or die' was the slogan of the late 1940s, and the manufacture of standardised steel-bodied cars was deemed essential to selling in sufficient quantities to overseas markets. Despite the misgivings of traditionalists, exports rose steadily and, when the home market stabilised, the classically styled 'standard steel' bodywork proved equally acceptable, making up 80% of total production of this first post-war Bentley.

A separate chassis was retained, the same basic design being built in three different wheelbase lengths, that of the Mark VI (and Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn) measuring 10' exactly. Other notable features were independent front suspension and hydraulic front brakes. Powering the range was a new 4,257cc six-cylinder engine featuring inlet-over-exhaust valve gear and breathing through a single Stromberg carburettor (Rolls-Royce) or twin SUs (Bentley), though Bentleys destined for export had the Stromberg.

This 'standard steel' Mark VI was owned for much of its life by glamorous high-society whirlwind Princess Ama Rigamonte Tasca Di Cutò, daughter of Prince Alessandro Tasca Di Cutò, the Italian-born Hollywood movie producer and close associate of Orson Welles among others. Princess Ama used the Bentley to transport antiques from her London home in Ennismore Gardens to their family seat in Sicily. On file is a three-page article about her life written by Zoe Dare Hall.

The Bentley was sold at the MPH Sale in July 2021 (Lot 15) at which time we said the following: "Purchased by the enthusiast vendor in 2016, this is an older restored example with an original interior. It is running and driving well but has not been used since 2019." Recommissioning was recommended. Our private vendor took the car in part exchange against his Silver Wraith in 2022.Restored at various dates, the car is described by our vendor as in fair-to-good condition. Accompanying paperwork includes an old-style logbook; old MoT certificates; a V5C document; MoT to 2025; and general service bills including itemised restoration costs. Special tools are housed in a compartment under the dashboard, while the original jack and other tools are in the in boot.