1948 Bentley Mark VI Countryman pictures and wallpaper 1948 Bentley Mark VI Countryman pictures and wallpaper 1948 Bentley Mark VI Countryman pictures and wallpaper 1948 Bentley Mark VI Countryman pictures and wallpaper
1948 Bentley Mark VI Countryman pictures and wallpaper 1948 Bentley Mark VI Countryman pictures and wallpaper 1948 Bentley Mark VI Countryman pictures and wallpaper
1948 Bentley Mark VI Countryman pictures and wallpaper 1948 Bentley Mark VI Countryman pictures and wallpaper
Wallpaper    Interior Photos   

View more photos
Coachwork: Harold Radford
 
Bentley Mark VI 'Mark I Countryman' Coachwork by Harold Radford

It was not a Rolls-Royce but, instead, a Bentley Mark VI that heralded the return of automobile production at Rolls-Royce following World War II. Its appearance was similar to the pre-war Bentley Mark V, of which only 11 were built. A total of 5,201 Bentley Mark VI's were built between 1946 and 1952, with only 999 of that number having special bodies. The example you are viewing is one of that 999. The coachwork is by Harold Radford who conceived the idea for a superb English Town and Country Saloon or 'Countryman.' The 'Mark I Countryman' on this Bentley Mark VI is only the second 'Mark I Countryman' built, the first one going to Harold Radford himself. It is aluminum over ash with wood paneling on the sides. The rear is mahogany veneer on alloy panels. A total of eight 'Mark I Countryman' bodies were built between 1948 and 1949, with 37 more Mark II, Mark III, and later versions of the 'Countryman' made through 1959.
In 1946 Bentley introduced the Mark VI which stayed in production until 1952 with just over 5200 examples being produced. The Mark VI's were large and impressive four-door automobiles. This marked the first automobile completely constructed by Rolls Royce and signified their desire to move towards a 'standardized' body construction. Prior to this, Rolls Royce and Bentley provided a rolling chassis to coachbuilders. The vehicle was then outfitted, often under the direction of the individual buyer. This meant that the specifications often varied and each creation was a unique design.
The Standard Steel Saloon body was produced at Pressed Steel's factory and delivered as a shell to the Rolls Royce factory. The body was then fitted to the chassis. It then received paint, lights, and chrome. The headlamps were no longer separate units but were integrated into the front wings. The interior was the final step in the build. It was outfitted in leather from Connolly and walnut veneer. Prior to 1949, all models were right hand drive and right side floor shift, which suited the British market. From 1949, the Bentley Mark VI was equivalent to the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn. Their biggest difference was in their performance, with the Bentley the clear champion.

A sunroof and rear wheel spats were optional equipment. Later, the sunroof became standard on all Bentley Mark VI models.

The Bentley Mark VI saw very few changes during its six year production life span. The most significant change was the adaptation of an enlarged engine which was introduced in 1951. The 4566 cc (4.5 liter) engine did improve the performance of the vehicle.

Four thousand of the Mark VI's were outfitted with a F-Head 4257 cc (4.25 liter) inline-six cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors, and aluminum cylinder head. Power was sent to the rear wheels courtesy of a four-speed manual gearbox with single plate clutch. Top speed was achieved around 94 mph. Servo assisted Drum brakes provided the stopping power and the suspension were independent with coil springs.

Around 1000 of the Bentley Mark VI's were sent to individual coachbuilders. Some of the notable coachbuilders were H.J. Mulliner, James Young, Pinin Farina, Franay, Park Ward, Saoutchik and Facel. Their designs included custom sedans and convertible, also referred to as dropheads.

These rare creations were given additional attention to detail to satisfy their exclusive clientele. In modern times, they are highly sought after.

Four thousand Bentley Mark VI's were created with the 4257 cc engine with 832 examples being outfitted by coachbuilders. 1202 Bentley Mark VI's were created with the 4566 cc engine with 180 examples being outfitted by coachbuilders.

The Mark VI was succeeded by the R-Type Bentley. Many of the Bentley Mark VI's have not survived, this is mostly attributed to their poor steel quality of the early postwar years which results in rust.

1948 Bentley Mark VI Countryman

Year1948
MakeBentley
ModelMark VI Countryman
Engine LocationFront
Drive TypeRear Wheel
Production Years for Series1946 - 1952
Coach WorkHarold Radford
Price$9,900.00
Weight4076 lbs | 1848.9 kg
Combined MPG0.00

Performance
1/4 Mile20.4 seconds.
Top Speed94 mph | 151.2 km/h Similar top speeds

Engine  
Engine ConfigurationI
L-Head
Cylinders6
Aspiration/InductionNormal
Displacement260.00 CU IN. | 4261.4 cc. | 4.3 L.
Horsepower126.00 BHP (92.7 KW)
HP to Weight Ratio32.3 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter29.3 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio6.4:1
Main Bearings7
Engine Electronics12-volt
Fuel FeedCarburetor
2 SU horizontal Expanding-Type carburetors
BlockCast-iron
HeadAluminum
Ignition SystemLucas
Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Standard Transmission
Gears4
TransmissionManual


 
View Wallpaper
View Specifications
Similar Automakers
Add Review
Other models by Bentley
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Related Articles and Event Coverage
2006 17th Annual Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States

1948 Bentley models
Mark VI

Similar Vehicles
Woodies
1953 Mercury Monterey
1952 Buick Series 50
1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Country Squire Woodie Wagon
1951 Ford V8 Shooting Break
1950 Martin Stationette
1949 Buick Model 79 Roadmaster Woodie Wagon
1949 Buick Super Series 50
1949 Chrysler Town & Country
1949 DeSoto S13-1 Deluxe
1948 Chrysler Town and Country
1948 Ford Super Deluxe V8
1948 Packard Series 22 Woody Station Wagon
1947 Buick Roadmaster Series 70
1947 Buick Super Series 50
1947 Ford Super Deluxe
1947 Pontiac Streamliner
1947 Studebaker Champion Woody Wagon
1946 Buick Series 50 Super Estate Wagon
1946 Nash Ambassador Suburban
1941 Buick Series 40 Eight
1941 Chrysler Town and Country
1941 Packard 110 Series 1900
1941 Packard 120 Deluxe
1940 Ford Deluxe
1940 Packard 110
1939 American Bantam Station Wagon Woodie
1939 Buick Estate Wagon
1937 Dodge Suburban Woodie Wagon
Vehicle Spotlight
Kicherer CL 60 CoupeAll-New Mazda3 Sedan to Debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto ShowFord Ka Tattoo
Ford Ka Digital ArtFord Ka Grand PrixPininfarina B0 Concept
Ford Kuga Show CarVenturi Volage ConceptNissan Nuvu EV Concept
Audi A1 Sportback ConceptRenault Megane TrophyRenault Z.E. Concept
Renault Mégane CoupéBMW X1 Concept2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260
Lamborghini Estoque ConceptPeugeot Prologue ConceptSpyker C8 Laviolette LM85
Peugeot 908 HYCitroen Hypnos Hybrid ConceptRenault Ondelios Concept
Chevrolet Orlando ConceptMazda Kiyora ConceptMazda Kazamai Concept