Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1952 Bentley MkVI Saloon
No Reserve
Registration No: HKY 879
Chassis No: B157PU
MOT: Exempt
Entered from a deceased estate
Dry stored for a number of years
Current ownership since 1967
Supplied with the original folding logbook
Superb basis for a winter recommissioning project or conversion to a sporting ‘special’
Introduced in 1946, Bentley's MkVI was the first vehicle ever offered by the company with factory-designed coachwork, and the first to be assembled in Rolls-Royce's Crewe factory rather than the old Derby premises. Aimed at the emerging 'owner-driver' luxury car market, the newcomer was closely based on the 1939 MkV (of which only fifteen were produced). Built around a massive cruciform-braced chassis with independent front suspension and a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle, it was fitted with a freshly developed 4257cc OISE (overhead inlet side exhaust valve) straight-six engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Capable of over 100mph when clad in the factory's understated 'standard steel saloon' coachwork, the MkVI quickly developed a reputation for being a refined yet responsive drive.
Consigned from a deceased estate, ‘HYK 879’ entered the current ownership in 1967 and has subsequently been dry stored since it was taken off the road in c. 1976. Finished in Black, with a contrasting Cream interior; this 4. 5 litre example is described by a representative of the vendor’s family as ‘Average’ with regard to the paintwork, bodywork, engine, electrical equipment and transmission, whilst the interior trim is described as ‘Good’. Described as highly original throughout, the Bentley hasn’t been started or run for a lengthy period, however it appears complete and a relatively straightforward recommissioning project. Offered with a healthy history file, comprising the car’s original folding logbook, old style V5 registration document (incorrectly listing the date of first registration as 1983), MOT certificates, an original handbook, period receipts / correspondence with the Crewe factory and much more.
