4,257cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Twin-Choke Carburetor
Approximately 132bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Sportingly elegant and rare Pinin Farina Coupe coachwork
*Striking Mason Black over Green Livery
*In the adoring care of a prominent collection for decades
*Offered with records and documentation


THE BENTLEY MARK VI

In 1946 Bentley Motors Ltd made a complete departure from their former production policy when they announced the introduction of an entirely new Bentley that was factory built throughout. The new car was fitted with a standard all steel bodywork design, finished and furnished at Crewe where Bentley production still continues to this day. The tried and tested 4,257cc six-cylinder engine was retained, fitted with a detachable aluminum alloy cylinder head with inserted valve seats. Both the Rolls-Royce and Bentley shared a 4,257cc F-head straight-six. Though Rolls-Royce and Bentley never released horsepower figures, output has been estimated at approximately 126-132 horsepower with induction handled by a pair of SU carburetors (Stromberg for LHD cars) and electrical components supplied by Lucas. The engine was fitted to a frame chassis, which was riveted with cruciform center bracing and a box section pan to support the front suspension components. Lubrication was by way of a Bijur centralized system, operated by a foot pump situated just to the left of the steering column on right hand drive cars. It was advised that this pedal should be depressed once every hundred miles.

The manual gearbox had four forward gears with synchromesh on second, third and fourth gear. Despite the relatively high price tag when compared to other luxury cars available immediately after the war, the demand for this motorcar was substantial. The demand for the new car was so high that customers had to be put on waiting lists, which at times stretched to over three years.

Production lasted until 1952 with more than 5,000 chassis finding their way to lucky new owners, making it one of Bentley's most successful models ever. The vast majority of Bentley Mark VIs produced were fitted with the new standard steel coachwork from the factory, however keeping with tradition, special coach-built bodies were also available upon request. 99 chassis (or just about 2%) of the Bentley Mk VI production would receive custom coachwork. Among the coachbuilders and designers who were selected to grace a Mark VI chassis with their individual creations was Park Ward, H.J. Mulliner, James Young, and legendary Italian firm Pinin Farina.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This handsome and exceedingly rare 1949 Bentley Mark VI chassis no. B466DA is one of very few examples fitted with custom Coupe coachwork by Pinin Farina. B466DA was reportedly supplied to a P. Benoist in October of 1948, and online sites show some beautiful period images of the Pinin Farina bodied Bentley at a Concours d'Elegance event. Finished in Mason Black over a striking green interior, the Bentley wears and older restoration, still showing very well. Whitewall ties are fitted, and the engine compartment is clean and detailed. The Pinin Farina bodywork is fitted with the traditional coachbuilder badges, and a classic Bentley 'Flying B' radiator cap is fitted. B466DA has formed part of an impressive US based collection of collector cars for the past few decades, while in a climate-controlled environment.

An extremely luxurious automobile in wonderful condition, this very stylish Mark VI Pinin Farina Coupe embodies the very best elements from the immediate post war period of Bentley production, topped by elegant Italian styling.