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This is the only post-war Bentley bodied by Figoni et Falaschi. Combining the finest attributes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce, the Bentley Mark VI Standard Steel Saloon was the first model offered after the return to peace.
Nearly 80% of the MK VI chassis carries a surprisingly elegant, although somewhat heavy, steel body which was similar to the late Pre-War MK V Park Ward four-door Saloon. Although quite similar, they were not as well received as the wildly successful 'Silent Sports Cars' of the 1930s. The car would, however, be well received by the well-heeled buyers hungry for new prestige automobiles.
Of the 5,201 Mark VI's produced, 999 were delivered to coachbuilders for special bodies. The most common were H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, James Young and Hooper. Only one Mark VI chassis was sent to Parisian coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi, which is this fine automobile. The prominent Parisian coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi was a company best known for the aerodynamic yet graceful designs seen on Delahayes and Talbot Lagos. Their designs, influenced by aeronautics, became known for 'tear drop' silhouettes, pontoon wings, wing skirts, raked windshields, and flush fittings. Ovidio Falaschi fancied himself as a couturier of motor cars, frequently rebodying a chassis multiple times until he was pleased with the results.
Claude Figoni, the son of Joseph Figoni, recalls when he took the order for this car in 1947 for a Mr. Rodrigues, 'a tall, elegant gentleman with wonderful manners.'
This car would eventually enter the United States in 1964, where it remained in California before being sold to a prominent collector in New York. The car was stripped to bare metal and re-sprayed in a spectacular black finish which complements the double-bladed chrome bumpers and graceful rear wings.
Nearly 80% of the MK VI chassis carries a surprisingly elegant, although somewhat heavy, steel body which was similar to the late Pre-War MK V Park Ward four-door Saloon. Although quite similar, they were not as well received as the wildly successful 'Silent Sports Cars' of the 1930s. The car would, however, be well received by the well-heeled buyers hungry for new prestige automobiles.
Of the 5,201 Mark VI's produced, 999 were delivered to coachbuilders for special bodies. The most common were H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, James Young and Hooper. Only one Mark VI chassis was sent to Parisian coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi, which is this fine automobile. The prominent Parisian coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi was a company best known for the aerodynamic yet graceful designs seen on Delahayes and Talbot Lagos. Their designs, influenced by aeronautics, became known for 'tear drop' silhouettes, pontoon wings, wing skirts, raked windshields, and flush fittings. Ovidio Falaschi fancied himself as a couturier of motor cars, frequently rebodying a chassis multiple times until he was pleased with the results.
Claude Figoni, the son of Joseph Figoni, recalls when he took the order for this car in 1947 for a Mr. Rodrigues, 'a tall, elegant gentleman with wonderful manners.'
This car would eventually enter the United States in 1964, where it remained in California before being sold to a prominent collector in New York. The car was stripped to bare metal and re-sprayed in a spectacular black finish which complements the double-bladed chrome bumpers and graceful rear wings.
The Goutte d'Eau or 'Teardrop' coupes on the Talbot T150CSS chassis is perhaps the most memorable designs of the Figoni et Falaschi Company. From the late 1920s through the late 1940s, their work would inspire and captivate the automotive community. Their coachwork was rolling works of art and complimented by intricate detail accessories accented by chrome trim pieces. Even their blade bumpers, which primary purpose was a safety device, was transformed into a beautiful, delicate feature.
As their business grew, they entered a partnership between Joseph (Giuseppe by birth) Figoni and Ovidio Falaschi. Figoni was the craftsman, while Falaschi was the well-connected businessman.
In the late 1940s, the company came under the direction of Joseph Figoni's son, Claude, who actually made more money after the war than before. Though this was a unique situation for a French coachbuilder at the time, the company was relatively successful due to the demand for custom coachwork from the United States. Their work would bring color and glamour into the drab postwar European world.
Though most of Figoni et Falaschi's work was performed on Delahaye and Talbot Lago chassis, it was up to the client to dictate what chassis their coachwork might clothe. Figoni and Falaschi would cloth just three Bentleys, one pre-war and two post-war. The first was a 1936 Derby Bentley ordered by Roger Goldet. The second Bentley was a 1939 Derby model with DeVillars coachwork. The owner wanted new coachwork in the post style, and commissioned Figoni to perform the task.
Thus, Figoni only built one, true post-war Bentley. It was chassis number B9AJ on a Mark VI chassis and carries Figoni design/body number 1016. The work was carried out for its original owner, Mr. J. Rodriques. Mr. Rodriques lived in Paris but spent much of his time in Monaco.
The car's original color was dark gray with a blue leather interior. Its original Monegasque registration was 'MC 276'.
The car features double-bladed front bumpers, chrome trim, sweeping pontoon chrome-tipped airplane-style fenders, and horns integrated within the front headlights. The Bentley was purchased through local agents Franco Britannic Automobiles in March of 1947. The car had a speedometer in kilometers and wiring for a center lamp.
By the mid-1960s, the Bentley had crossed the Atlantic and was in United States ownership. In 1964, it was in the care of George O'Mea in Los Angeles, followed by Donald Cruickshank of San Jose in 1965, and it changed hands the year later to Joseph De Luca of San Francisco.
In the late 1980s, the car was sold to Eugene Beardslee, who had the car refurbished by Bob Turnquist at Hibernia. The work was completed in the summer of 1990, in time to be put on display at that year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it was put in the Postwar European Custom Coachwork category. At the end of the day, it had secured the Best in Class award.
In the early 2010s, the car was stripped down and given a repaint. It is now finished in black. The engine is a 4256cc overhead valve six-cylinder unit fitted with 2 SU carburetors and offering approximately 132 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014
As their business grew, they entered a partnership between Joseph (Giuseppe by birth) Figoni and Ovidio Falaschi. Figoni was the craftsman, while Falaschi was the well-connected businessman.
In the late 1940s, the company came under the direction of Joseph Figoni's son, Claude, who actually made more money after the war than before. Though this was a unique situation for a French coachbuilder at the time, the company was relatively successful due to the demand for custom coachwork from the United States. Their work would bring color and glamour into the drab postwar European world.
Though most of Figoni et Falaschi's work was performed on Delahaye and Talbot Lago chassis, it was up to the client to dictate what chassis their coachwork might clothe. Figoni and Falaschi would cloth just three Bentleys, one pre-war and two post-war. The first was a 1936 Derby Bentley ordered by Roger Goldet. The second Bentley was a 1939 Derby model with DeVillars coachwork. The owner wanted new coachwork in the post style, and commissioned Figoni to perform the task.
Thus, Figoni only built one, true post-war Bentley. It was chassis number B9AJ on a Mark VI chassis and carries Figoni design/body number 1016. The work was carried out for its original owner, Mr. J. Rodriques. Mr. Rodriques lived in Paris but spent much of his time in Monaco.
The car's original color was dark gray with a blue leather interior. Its original Monegasque registration was 'MC 276'.
The car features double-bladed front bumpers, chrome trim, sweeping pontoon chrome-tipped airplane-style fenders, and horns integrated within the front headlights. The Bentley was purchased through local agents Franco Britannic Automobiles in March of 1947. The car had a speedometer in kilometers and wiring for a center lamp.
By the mid-1960s, the Bentley had crossed the Atlantic and was in United States ownership. In 1964, it was in the care of George O'Mea in Los Angeles, followed by Donald Cruickshank of San Jose in 1965, and it changed hands the year later to Joseph De Luca of San Francisco.
In the late 1980s, the car was sold to Eugene Beardslee, who had the car refurbished by Bob Turnquist at Hibernia. The work was completed in the summer of 1990, in time to be put on display at that year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it was put in the Postwar European Custom Coachwork category. At the end of the day, it had secured the Best in Class award.
In the early 2010s, the car was stripped down and given a repaint. It is now finished in black. The engine is a 4256cc overhead valve six-cylinder unit fitted with 2 SU carburetors and offering approximately 132 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014
2014 Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction
Sale Price :
USD $605,000
1947 Bentley Mark VI Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Bentley Mark VI
(Data based on Model Year 1947 sales)
1947 BENTLEY MARK VI Chassis#: B1BG Sold for USD$97,900 2023 Barrett-Jackson : New Orleans | |
1947 Bentley Mark VI Chassis#: B260CF Sold for USD$70,000 2022 GAA : November 2022 | |
1947 BENTLEY MARK VI DROPHEAD COUPÉ 'MAHARAJA OF BARODA' BY H.J. MULLINER Chassis#: B42Ak Sold for USD$310,195 2021 RM Sothebys : A Passion for Elegance | |
1947 Bentley Mark VI Cabriolet by Franay Chassis#: B26BH Sold for USD$483,500 2019 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale Arizona | |
1947 Bentley Mark VI Saloon by Freestone & Webb Chassis#: B370BH Sold for USD$53,200 2019 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale Arizona | |
1947 Bentley Mk. VI Saloon by Vanden Plas Chassis#: B60AK Sold for USD$21,204 2018 Historics @ Brooklands - Motor Museum | |
1947 Bentley Mark VI Drophead Coupé Chassis#: B108AK Sold for USD$157,649 2018 Bonhams : Goodwood Revival | |
1947 Bentley MK VI Vanden Plas Drophead Coupe Chassis#: B245AJ Sold for USD$130,503 2017 H & H Auctions - Imperial War Museum-Duxford | |
1947 Bentley Mark VI Cabriolet by Franay Chassis#: B26BH Sold for USD$396,000 2017 RM Auctions : Amelia Island | |
1947 Bentley MkVI Sold for USD$30,000 2017 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1947 BENTLEY MARK VI SALOON Chassis#: B294BH Sold for USD$34,788 2015 Bonhams : The December Sale | |
1947 Bentley Mk. VI Special Roadster by Mallalieu Chassis#: B261NY Sold for USD$55,158 2015 Historics at Brookland | |
1947 BENTLEY MARK VI CUSTOM 4 DOOR SEDAN Chassis#: B180AK Sold for USD$88,000 2015 Barrett-Jackson - Scottsdale | |
1947 Bentley Mark VI Fixed Head Coupé by Figoni et Falaschi Sold for USD$873,824 2014 RM Auctions - London | |
1947 BENTLEY MKVI 4¼-LITRE SALOON Chassis#: B80BH Sold for USD$105,571 2014 COLLECTOR'S MOTOR CARS AND AUTOMOBILIA | |
1947 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel Saloon Sold for USD$16,033 2014 Anglia Auction - Southern Ireland | |
1947 Bentley MK VI Coupe Chassis#: B 9AJ Sold for USD$605,000 2014 Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction | |
1947 BENTLEY MARK VI CUSTOM 4 DOOR SEDAN Chassis#: B180AK Sold for USD$154,000 2013 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach | |
1947 Bentley MkVI Countryman Shooting Brake Chassis#: B397BG Sold for USD$96,184 2012 Bonhams - Collectors' Motor cars and Automobilia | |
1947 Bentley Mark VI Sports Saloon by James Young, Ltd. Chassis#: B-362-BH Sold for USD$24,200 2012 RM Auctions - Hershey, PA |
Bentley Mark VIs That Failed To Sell At Auction
1947 Bentley Mark VI's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1947 BENTLEY MKVI SPECIAL | B359BG | 2021 Bonhams MPH July | $40,000 | $50,000 | |
1947 BENTLEY MARK VI SPECIAL BY SYD LAWRENCE | B322BH | 2019 Coys Blenheim Palace | $70,000 | $75,000 | |
1947 Bentley Mark VI Saloon | 2018 Russo & Steele : Monterey | ||||
1947 Bentley MK VI Special | B303BG | 2016 H & H Auctions Imperial War MuseumDuxford | |||
1947 Bentley Mk VI Cabriolet | B139BH | 2013 Bonhams Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais | |||
1947 Bentley Mk VI Saloon | B82AK | 2004 Bonhams ROLLS ROYCE | $15,000 | $20,000 | |
1947 Bentley MkVI 41/4-Litre Sports Special | B303BG | 2003 Bonhams Goodwood Revival | $24,000 | $27,000 |
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1958 PORSCHE 356 A COUPE Coachwork by Reutter Chassis#:102648 Sold for $257,600 2024 Gooding : Amelia Island | |
1965 Shelby Cobra 427 CSX 4000 Series Chassis#:CSX4206 Sold for $257,600 2024 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | |
1930 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport Chassis#:681/40655 Sold for $257,124 2024 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
1952 Bentley Mark VI Cabriolet by Graber Chassis#:B190MD Sold for $257,600 2024 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Chassis#:WP0AF2A91KS164439 Sold for $257,600 2024 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1970 FORD BRONCO CUSTOM SUV Chassis#:U15GLG96050 Sold for $258,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1972 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUSTOM SUV Chassis#:CKE182F172192 Sold for $258,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe Chassis#:30837s107045 Sold for $258,500 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1994 Porsche 911 RS America Chassis#:WP0AB296XRS419122 Sold for $257,600 2023 RM Sothebys : The White Collection | |
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1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster Chassis#:875195 Sold for $256,663 2023 RM Sothebys : St. Moritz | |
1951 CADILLAC SERIES 75 CUSTOM LIMOUSINE Chassis#:517568105 Sold for $257,600 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
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1939 Talbot-Lago T150 C Conduite Intérieure d'Usine Chassis#:90060 Sold for $257,600 2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center | |
1987 Ferrari Testarossa Chassis#:ZFFSG17A7H0069127 Sold for $257,600 2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center | |
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 'Pagoda' Chassis#:113.044.12.021109 Sold for $257,600 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
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1947 Bentley Mark VI
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