1947 Bentley MKVI

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1947 Bentley MKVI

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Mileage~99,747 on Clock
TransmissionManual
Engine4.25-litre
LocationFerryside, Carmarthenshire

AUCTION CLOSED

1947 Bentley MKVI

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner

An elegant early example of Bentley’s landmark post-war luxury saloon, presented in an attractive two-tone finish and supported by an extensive history file.

Introduced in 1946, the Mark VI was Bentley’s first post-war production model. It was also the first Bentley offered with standardised factory saloon coachwork, although customers could still commission individually coachbuilt bodies if desired.

Beneath the bonnet sits a 4,257cc straight-six engine, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. The Mark VI was intended to combine the comfort and craftsmanship expected from Bentley with the more responsive character of an owner-driven sporting saloon.

This 1947 example is finished in complementary shades of silver and dark grey, with a grey leather interior, traditional walnut veneer and extensive chrome detailing. The odometer indicated approximately 99,747 miles during our visit.

The Bentley has previously undergone a major restoration, including work to the engine. More recent attention to the carburettors has helped ensure that it runs as it should, while the clutch was replaced in 2016 and has covered very few miles since.

A substantial collection of history and paperwork accompanies the car, documenting its past and previous expenditure.

This listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Malcolm the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I’ve enjoyed having the Bentley and appreciate everything that makes it such a special car - it has a wonderful sense of occasion.

Malcolm, the owner, tells us the car has benefited from a major restoration, including work to the engine, and there is plenty of history and paperwork documenting its past. Further work has also been carried out on the carburettors to help keep it running at its best. It drives smoothly, with no unwanted noises from the engine or gearbox, and the brakes and suspension are both in very good order.

Malcolm has now decided that the time is right to let it go, and would like it to find a new owner who will continue to care for and enjoy it.

Malcolm would be happy to answer any questions in the comments section.

Malcolm

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The two-tone silver and dark-grey finish complements the imposing proportions and formal lines of the Mark VI particularly well.

Wheels and Tyres

The Bentley is fitted with its correct steel wheels, finished in silver and accompanied by polished Bentley hubcaps and fine contrasting coachlines.

The wheels present well overall and retain the appropriately understated appearance of the original car. Some light age-related marks and small areas of surface corrosion can be seen around the outer edges upon close inspection, but these do little to detract from their overall presentation.

The tyres appear to retain a suitable level of tread.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The substantial standard-steel saloon body presents very well and retains the balanced proportions that helped establish the appearance of Bentley’s post-war road cars.

The panels appear straight, with consistent-looking shut lines around the bonnet, doors and boot. The rear-hinged front doors and conventionally hinged rear doors operated during our visit and provide excellent access to the spacious cabin.

We did not notice any significant dents or obvious areas of bodywork damage. As expected from a car approaching 80 years old, prospective buyers should expect occasional age-related imperfections and are encouraged to study the high-resolution photographs carefully.

The Bentley’s upright radiator grille, flowing front wings and gently tapering rear bodywork give it tremendous road presence without appearing unnecessarily ostentatious.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in complementary shades of silver and dark grey, the paintwork presents to a good overall standard and accentuates the car’s sweeping wings and formal saloon profile.

The two colours appear consistent across the respective panels, with an attractive sheen throughout. Fine coachlines provide a subtle finishing touch and help connect the exterior with the detailing on the wheels.

No significant deterioration was apparent during our visit. There may naturally be occasional small marks, chips and other minor imperfections consistent with the age and use of the car.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The generous chrome detailing is an essential part of the Mark VI’s appearance and presents well across the radiator grille, bumpers, headlamps, door furniture and window surrounds.

The prominent Bentley grille and Flying B mascot create an unmistakable front end, while the individual headlamps and additional central lamp add further period character.

The glazing appears clear overall, and the surrounding seals and frames present appropriately for the age of the car. The exterior lights, lenses, badging and other trim also appear complete and in good order.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The cabin offers exactly the sense of occasion expected from a post-war Bentley, combining soft grey leather, deep carpeting, extensive walnut veneer and beautifully simple instrumentation.

Seats and Carpets

The front and rear bench seats are trimmed in grey leather and present well overall.

The upholstery retains a pleasing, gently aged character, with light creasing consistent with normal use. The seats remain inviting and comfortable, while the spacious rear compartment provides the generous accommodation expected from a luxury saloon of this period.

The matching grey door cards and surrounding trim continue the colour scheme throughout the cabin. Light-coloured carpets add contrast and appear presentable, showing only ordinary signs of age and use.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Dashboard

The walnut dashboard is one of the cabin’s standout features and presents beautifully, extending across the car and continuing onto the door cappings.

Large Smiths instruments sit directly ahead of the driver, supplemented by smaller gauges, switches and an analogue clock. Malcolm reports that the dials and clocks are working correctly.

The veneer retains an attractive gloss and rich grain, while the traditional switchgear and instrumentation contribute greatly to the authentic period atmosphere.

A discreet radio installation is positioned beneath the dashboard. The stereo itself works, although it is not presently connected to the aerial. This connection will require attention if the next owner wishes to use the radio normally.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The large three-spoke steering wheel presents in good, usable condition, with light age-related wear visible around its painted rim.

The four-speed manual gear lever is positioned to the right of the driver and is in good condition.

The steering also felt appropriate for a large luxury saloon of this period. It naturally requires more input than a modern power-assisted system at lower speeds, but Malcolm reports that it is good for the age and design of the car.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The 4¼-litre straight-six provides the smooth and unhurried performance expected from an early post-war Bentley.

Engine and Gearbox

The Bentley is powered by its 4,257cc straight-six engine, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox.

A major restoration has previously been undertaken, which included work to the engine. Attention has also been given to the carburettors to help ensure that the engine is properly set up and running at its best.

During our visit, the engine ran smoothly and produced no unwanted mechanical noises. Power delivery felt suitably progressive and refined, complementing the dignified character of the car.

The four-speed manual gearbox also operated well, selecting its gears smoothly without concerning noises.

The engine bay presents particularly well, appearing clean and carefully maintained while retaining an appropriately traditional appearance. Black-finished components, Bentley detailing and the substantial air-cleaner assembly all contribute to a very smart presentation.

The clutch was replaced in 2016 and has covered very few miles since that work was completed.

Please watch the mechanical and on-the-road videos to hear the Bentley starting and running and to see how it performs away from the camera.

Suspension and Brakes

The Mark VI combined independent front suspension with a more traditional leaf-sprung rear arrangement, helping it offer the ride quality expected from a Bentley while retaining composed road manners.

Malcolm reports that the suspension is in good condition. During our drive, the car felt smooth and comfortable, with no unwanted knocks, rattles or other concerning noises apparent.

The brakes are also reported to be in very good condition. They brought the car to a stop confidently during our time with it, without any obvious pulling or unwanted vibration.

The steering felt consistent with the design and age of the vehicle, becoming easier once the Bentley was moving and providing a reassuring connection with the road.

Overall, the suspension, steering and braking systems performed well during the drive.

The Drive

Driving a 1947 Bentley Mark VI is a very different experience from operating a modern luxury car and that is a large part of its appeal.

The commanding driving position, large steering wheel, traditional controls and view across the long bonnet make even an ordinary journey feel like an occasion.

Once moving, the straight-six engine delivers its power smoothly and without fuss. The four-speed gearbox complements the engine well, while the suspension provides the settled, comfortable ride expected from a Bentley.

No unwanted noises were heard from the engine or gearbox during our drive. The suspension remained quiet and composed, the brakes performed confidently and the steering felt appropriate for a substantial car of this period.

This is not a classic that needs to be admired only from a distance. Its spacious cabin, compliant ride and refined engine make it well suited to shows, club events and relaxed longer journeys.

Electrics and Other

Malcolm reports that the car’s electrical equipment appears to be working correctly.

The main instruments, dashboard clock, exterior lighting and other electrical components tested operated during our visit. Naturally, given the age and relative simplicity of the system, prospective buyers should review the accompanying videos and confirm the operation of any individual equipment important to them.

A stereo has been fitted beneath the dashboard and is working. However, it is not currently connected to the aerial, so this connection will need to be repaired or reinstated before radio reception can be used normally.

No other specific electrical concerns were reported to us.

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History and Paperwork

A substantial collection of history and paperwork accompanies the Bentley, providing valuable supporting information about its life, restoration and previous maintenance.

The car has undergone a major restoration, including work to the 4¼-litre straight-six engine. Prospective buyers should review the paperwork gallery for the available invoices, records and photographs detailing the dates and scope of the work completed.

The carburettors have also received attention to help ensure that the engine is properly set up and running as it should.

The clutch was replaced in 2016 and has covered very few miles since. This should provide additional reassurance given the work involved in replacing such a component on a car of this age.

Malcolm has now decided that the time is right for the Bentley to pass to its next custodian. This represents an appealing opportunity to acquire an elegant early Mark VI that combines handsome presentation, substantial documented history and the benefit of extensive previous restoration.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
13/02/2023	MOT	98849
22/05/2019	MOT	98081
21/05/2018	MOT	96585
11/05/2017	MOT	96031
18/05/2016	MOT	94794
15/04/2015	MOT	92446
15/11/2011	MOT	90707
13/08/2005	MOT	90691
02/04/2004	MOT	90562
13/08/1990	MOT	90185
08/09/1988	MOT	89720
20/07/1986	MOT	88621
19/06/1985	MOT	87920
21/08/1982	MOT	86636
25/02/1981	MOT	85274
23/02/1980	MOT	83021
08/12/1978	MOT	79426
07/12/1977	MOT	71607

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Key Details

Year1947
ModelMKVI
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date02/07/1947
CC4257
Mileage~99747 on Clock
ColourGrey
Interior ColourLight grey
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #B.140-BH
Engine #B-70-B
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~12 Years
Key FeatureOwnership
Vehicle RegistrationUXS 416
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeSaloon
Auction ID3959

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Vehicle Location

Ferryside, Carmarthenshire

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Seller : AshleyD

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Vehicle Location

Ferryside, Carmarthenshire

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