1952 Bentley Mark VI Drophead Coupe

The Bentley Mark VI represented the first post-World War II development by Rolls-Royce and Bentley of a luxury car designed for owner-drivers. The Mark VI was powered by a new F-head engine with overhead intake and side exhaust valves. The X-braced chassis frame employed an independent front suspension setup and came equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox and hydraulically operated front and servo-assisted mechanical rear brakes. Over the years that followed, the design was continually refined, with May 1951 seeing the introduction of the more powerful 'Big Bore' model featured a 4.5-liter engine, with full-flow oil filter and dual exhaust.

Roughly seventy-five percent of the Mark VI models were given the factory's Standard Steel Saloon body. 1,022 received special coachwork, and five of those were given drophead coupe bodies.

Sir John Black, the Managing Director of Standard Motor Company Ltd., commissioned this unique 1952 Bentley Mark VI four-passenger convertible coupe with coachwork by Mulliner of Birmingham in 1950. After acquiring the Triumph Motor Company, Sir John's Standard Motor Company worked with the coachbuilder to design and build the Triumph Razoredge saloon in 1946, from which several design elements were used on his new Bentley. Sir John's Mark VI later served as the inspiration for the design for the 1956 Standard Motors - built Triumph TR2. The signature flowing line of the Bentley's flanks can be found on both the earlier Razoredge and the later TR2. This car is the only Bentley finished by Mulliner of Birmingham after 1945. It has a one-off design by Stuart Peck.

Shortly after the new Triumph sports cars were introduced, Sir John sold the Bentley to Leslie Onslow of Bournemouth. It later was sent to California where its owners included C.J. Gelber, who drove it for a decade, and A. Sheratin Atkinson. In 1973, it was purchased by Dr. Kurt Hammerstrom and began a restoration before storing it for the next 37 years. His estate sold it to a Rolls-Royce and Bentley enthusiast in California, who commissioned an extensive and authentic mechanical and cosmetic restoration, lasting five years and over 12,000 man-hours.

The only change made to the original specifications was to replace the original, black livery with three shades of grey. The interior features red leather seats that are piped in grey, with grey carpets and top, polished wood veneer. The door interiors feature an Art Deco 'sunburst' stitch pattern in red leather. The original 'His Master's Voice' Radiomobile 100 radio has been converted to AM/FM operation, with hidden speakers fitted in the doors.

After the restoration was completed, the car was displayed in the post-war Touring class at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, followed by several other California events. Accolades include Best in Class and Most Elegant Open Car at Ironstone, Best in Class and Best of Show at the Niello Concours, and Best in Class at Hillsborough.