• Very rare coachbuilt soft-top Mark VI
• Original European left-hand drive model
• Delivered new to Madame Denyse Dreyfuss-Mosseri
• Present ownership for over 10 years

The policy of rationalisation begun in the late 1930s continued at Rolls-Royce after the war with the introduction of standard bodywork. In a break from the coachbuilt tradition this was made of pressed steel panels welded together. The new 'standard steel' body was available at first only on the Mark VI Bentley, though customers could still opt for a coachbuilt alternative, such as the car offered here. 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. 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 Stromberg carburettor (Rolls-Royce) or twin SUs (Bentley).

Despite the popularity of the factory's standard steel body, premiered on the Mark VI Bentley, a coachbuilt alternative remained the preferred choice of many customers. Indeed, anyone desiring a soft-top Rolls-Royce or Bentley had no alternative but to commission one from an independent coachbuilder, there being no factory-built alternative at this time.

With the passage of time many Mark VIs have lost their original bodywork, in many cases because it had deteriorated beyond economical repair. Not so this left-hand drive example, chassis number 'B404LEY', which retains its original drophead coupé coachwork by Park Ward Ltd complete with its rare early power-operated hood (body number 'B 636'). Only 117 Mark VI Bentleys were built with left-hand drive, and only 45 cars had this particular style of coachwork.

'B404LEY' was delivered new to Madame Denyse Dreyfuss-Mosseri, the only daughter and heir of Elie Mosseri, a wealthy Italian businessman. The car was originally finished in Pearl Grey with light blue leather interior trim, while other notable features included locks to both the bonnet and fuel cap; a separate switch on the dashboard for the central driving lamp; and leather trimmed interior cabinets.

Immediately prior to its acquisition by the current vendor circa 2010, the Bentley had just completed a comprehensive cosmetic bare-metal restoration undertaken by recognised specialists in the UK, which included new leather upholstery, new carpets, new wood cappings, and a new convertible hood according to an old catalogue description for the car. Since then, the car has been fitted with power steering and electric windows by Oldtimer Gallery.

Very nicely presented, this stylish Bentley is offered with European registration papers and a Oldtimertaxatie Valuation Report dated April 2024. Following a period of storage, some recommissioning will be required before this rare, coachbuilt, left-hand drive Mark VI returns to the road.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.