1951 Bentley Mark VI

History

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.


By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006

1951 Bentley Mark VI Vehicle Profiles

1951 Bentley Mark VI vehicle information
Fixed Head Coupe

Coachwork: Park Ward & Co.
Chassis #: B6LHR
Engine #: B3H
1951 Bentley Mark VI vehicle information
Saloon

Coachwork: Hooper
Chassis #: B-213-LH
1951 Bentley Mark VI vehicle information
Fixed Head Coupe

Coachwork: Park Ward & Co.
Chassis #: B181HP
Engine #: B215H
1951 Bentley Mark VI vehicle information
Empress Coupe

Coachwork: Hooper
Chassis #: B92HR
Engine #: B46H
1951 Bentley Mark VI vehicle information
Countryman

Coachwork: Radford
1951 Bentley Mark VI vehicle information
Saloon

Chassis #: B196LJ
1951 Bentley Mark VI vehicle information
Coupe DeVille

Coachwork: Franay
1951 Bentley Mark VI vehicle information
Drop Head Coupe

Coachwork: Park Ward & Co.
Chassis #: B79LKL
1951 Bentley Mark VI vehicle information
Facel-Metalon Coupe

Coachwork: Facel Metallon

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$800-$9,900
1951 Mark VI
1951 Bentley Mark VI Base Price : $9,900

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Mark VI

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
120.00 in.
6 cyl., 259.78 CID., 132.00hp
120.10 in.
6 cyl., 260.00 CID., 126.00hp
$9,905 - $15,205
120.10 in.
6 cyl., 260.00 CID., 126.00hp
$9,900 - $9,900
120.00 in.
6 cyl., 259.78 CID., 130.00hp
$9,895 - $15,195
120.00 in.
6 cyl., 259.78 CID., 126.00hp
$9,900 - $9,900
120.00 in.
6 cyl., 259.72 CID., 125.00hp
$9,900 - $9,900
120.00 in.
6 cyl., 278.63 CID., 153.00hp
$10,700 - $10,700

Related Automotive News

70 years of Continental – the ultimate grand tourer

70 years of Continental – the ultimate grand tourer

70 years since the start of production of iconic R-Type Continental In 1952, the fastest four-seat and most expensive car in the world 208 examples built, one still owned by Bentley Inspirational design DNA and definitive Continental ethos The...
Full Car List Revealed As Countdown Begins To Concours Of Elegance 2017

Full Car List Revealed As Countdown Begins To Concours Of Elegance 2017

Concours of Elegance reveals roll call of the rare and exclusive cars set to appear at Hampton Court in less than 30 days time Concours of Elegance has highlighted a handful of the iconic cars confirmed to appear, including the one-of-ten Bentley...
2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Best of Show

2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Best of Show

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (August 17, 2015) -- An Italian Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Cabriolet that once turned heads and garnered top prizes in the classic era glided to victory at the 65th Pebble Beach Concours dElegance on Sunday. The competition...

CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE CONFIRMS WORLD-BEATING CAR LINE-UP FOR 2015 EVENT

Concours of Elegance has confirmed the full incredible line-up of cars at its 2015 event, held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh Gorgeous 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost London to Edinburgh car set to be one of the stars of the Concours Vi...

Postwar Ferrari Named Best of Show at 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

1954 Ferrari 375 MM Scaglietti Coupe Named Best of Show PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (August 17, 2014) -- Excited cheers echoed across the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links Sunday when a 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Scaglietti Coupe was named Best of...

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.