1947 Bentley Mark VI Coupe

The Bentley Mark VI was produced from 1946 until 1952. The 4.3-liter six-cylinder engine produced 125 horsepower.

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. J Rodrigues in Paris, 'a tall, elegant gentleman with wonderful manners.' It was delivered to the celebrated Parisienne coachworks of Figoni et Falaschi for a Grand Touring Coupe body. Emblematic of the atelier, this Bentley features signature Figoni embellishments: chrome sweeps on the lower body, chrome beltline, twin blade bumpers, skirted rear fenders, and arced front wings. Add to that a 4.3-liter six-cylinder engine 132 horsepower and a four-speed transmission, and the Bentley emerged as powerful as it was beautiful. Intended as a a 'commuter' between his Paris and Monaco residences, this Grand Touring Coupe remains the only Bentley to be graced with Figoni coachwork.

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