LOT 117
1950 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel Saloon Chassis no. B159JN
Sold for US$22,400 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 117
1950 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel Saloon
1950 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel Saloon
Chassis no. B159JN
Chassis no. B159JN
5,733cc OHV Chevrolet V8 Engine (See Text)
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
180bhp (est.)
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front and Live Rear Axle with Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Mild 'hot rod' with Chevrolet small block V8 power
*Fitted with air conditioning and power brakes
*Documented by copies of its factory build records
*Requires recommissioning
THE CAR OFFERED
In the wake of World War II, Bentley production resumed at the new Rolls-Royce facility in Crewe, England, with the new Mk VI. The Mk VI marked a radical change for parent company Rolls-Royce, becoming the first car offered with factory designed coachwork. Very similar to the contemporary Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, primary differences were to the grille, trim and badging. Close fraternal twins in appearance, mechanically the two were identical. Between 1946 and 1952, an impressive total of 4,946 Mk VI Bentleys left the works.
Chassis number B159JN is a Mk VI clothed in the factory's handsome Standard Steel Saloon coachwork, supplied by Pressed Steel Ltd. Factory records show this car was delivered new to Capt. J.L. MacFayden of William Bunton & Co. Ltd. Build sheets note it was finished in Glasso Special Green, with tan hides, brown carpet, and a fawn headlining. By the late 1970s, the Rolls-Royce Owner's Club roster shows the car was in the USA, in the care of Marvin Smith of Hancock Park, California.
Prior to joining the consignor's collection, the original F-head inline-six was replaced with a Chevrolet 'smallblock' V8 and automatic transmission. Additional modifications include conversion to left-hand drive, power brake booster, air conditioning, alternator charging, and power bucket seats sourced from a late-model American car and upholstered in tan.
During its time with the consignor, this Mk VI has been on long-term static display and will require recommissioning and sorting prior to enjoyment. With its proven, bullet-proof, and easily serviceable drivetrain, it has potential to be a reliable touring car combining classic lines with modern performance.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
- 23 January 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 MST
- 24 January 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 MST
- 25 January 2025, 09:00 - 11:30 MST
