1948 Bentley Mark VI 'New Look' Sports Saloon Chassis no. B495CDEngine no. B498C
1948 Bentley Mark VI 'New Look' Sports SaloonCoachwork by James Young Ltd.Chassis no. B495CDEngine no. B498C
4,257cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder EngineSingle Twin-Choke CarburetorApproximately 130bhp4-Speed Manual TransmissionIndependent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle4-Wheel Drum Brakes*Shown at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show with James Young Ltd. *The prototype example of just three streamlined 'New Look' sports saloons built *Extensively documented by copy of factory records and report by Bentley historian Diane Brandon*Exciting James Young Bentley with futuristic designTHE BENTLEY MK VIAfter World War II when Bentley production resumed at the new Rolls-Royce facility in Crewe, England, the model being built was the Mk VI. The Mk VI marked a radical change for Rolls-Royce, being the first car to be offered by the company with factory designed coachwork. Very similar to the contemporary Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, primary differences were to the grille, trim and badging. Close fraternal twins in appearance, mechanically the two were identical. Both the Rolls and the Bentley shared a 4,257cc F-head straight-six. Though Rolls-Royce and Bentley never released horsepower figures, output has been estimated at approximately 126-132 horsepower with induction handled by a pair of SU carburetors (Stromberg for LHD cars) and electrical components supplied by Lucas. THE MOTORCAR OFFEREDOne of the most distinct new-world designs to feature on a Mark VI chassis was James Young's style number C10M, as seen here on the featured car, chassis number B495CD. With its fully enveloped fenders, clean lines and slim pillars, this design no. C10M was dramatically different than the staunchly traditional Standard Saloon, causing quite a stir when it debuted on the James Young stand at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show. B495CD is the very car that appeared at that show, and it is a fascinating example of the forward-thinking approach independent coachbuilders could take. At the time, design C10M was quite polarizing; however, it found enough favor to see three similar examples built.Historical records and build sheets supplied by the RREC show that B495CD was produced to order for Mr. Ronald Strauss of Strauss, Turnbull & Co. The chassis left the works in June 1948 and shipped to James Young to receive its coachwork. Following the exhibition at the London Motor Show at Earls Court in late October, final delivery came in December 1948. In 1953, Mr. Strauss traded the car via Jack Barclay Ltd. who in turn sold it to Mrs. Caroline Blackmore. It appears she ran the car for approximately two years before selling it via Barclay to the legendary British racing driver and car dealer, Duncan Hamilton. He then sold the car to Thomas Whittle & Sons, Ltd, a well-known manufacturer of automotive belts located in Warrington. Copies of the chassis records and sales records from Barclay's are included in the extensive file. The British registration book documents all subsequent home-market owners. In the 1980s, B495CD received a full restoration and saw regular enjoyment on the road before being stored on behalf of the owner, understood to be The Hon. David Keightley Rideal Oliver. In 2003 it was sold by Oliver and shipped to the Netherlands where it received an extensive mechanical freshening. Service records from England and the Netherlands go as far as 2013 when the car made its way to America, where it was displayed in a private collection until recently. Today, this fascinating Bentley presents in good order with a light patina from age and gentle use. The two-tone blue and silver livery suits the car well, giving it an understated appeal. Full wheel covers – originally polished – are now painted to match the body and hidden beneath fill spats in the rear. The paint is generally good, with some minor imperfections noted under scrutiny. Nice original touches remain, such as the Lucas driving lamp, original Bentley B70 headlamps, flush-mounted trafficators, and unique bumper overriders. The four-place cabin is in lovely condition; the blue leather seats showing well, with light creasing in the otherwise supple Connolly hides. Blue Wilton carpets are in good order, and the extensive wood trim of the dash, door caps, and picnic trays was beautifully restored while in the care of the previous owner. Fine details include front wind wings that open via cranks, a set of hand tools in a sliding under-dash drawer, pivoting rear quarter lights, and a retractable rear sunshade. Rear passengers enjoy picnic trays and individual compartments, each containing a bar set consisting of two crystal shot glasses and a leather-bound whisky flask (or whiskey, depending on your drink of choice). Retaining its original, numbers-matching engine paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, this Mk VI delivers the relaxed, capable performance expected from a Bentley of the period. Built before 1949, this car is recognized by the CCCA as a Full Classic and therefore eligible for their CARavan tours, and is accompanied by a comprehensive history file. B495CD is a rarely seen example of James Young's New Look design language and is an excellent example of the creative spirit of one of Britain's greatest coachbuilders.
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1948 Bentley Mark VI 'New Look' Sports SaloonCoachwork by James Young Ltd.Chassis no. B495CDEngine no. B498C
4,257cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder EngineSingle Twin-Choke CarburetorApproximately 130bhp4-Speed Manual TransmissionIndependent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle4-Wheel Drum Brakes*Shown at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show with James Young Ltd. *The prototype example of just three streamlined 'New Look' sports saloons built *Extensively documented by copy of factory records and report by Bentley historian Diane Brandon*Exciting James Young Bentley with futuristic designTHE BENTLEY MK VIAfter World War II when Bentley production resumed at the new Rolls-Royce facility in Crewe, England, the model being built was the Mk VI. The Mk VI marked a radical change for Rolls-Royce, being the first car to be offered by the company with factory designed coachwork. Very similar to the contemporary Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, primary differences were to the grille, trim and badging. Close fraternal twins in appearance, mechanically the two were identical. Both the Rolls and the Bentley shared a 4,257cc F-head straight-six. Though Rolls-Royce and Bentley never released horsepower figures, output has been estimated at approximately 126-132 horsepower with induction handled by a pair of SU carburetors (Stromberg for LHD cars) and electrical components supplied by Lucas. THE MOTORCAR OFFEREDOne of the most distinct new-world designs to feature on a Mark VI chassis was James Young's style number C10M, as seen here on the featured car, chassis number B495CD. With its fully enveloped fenders, clean lines and slim pillars, this design no. C10M was dramatically different than the staunchly traditional Standard Saloon, causing quite a stir when it debuted on the James Young stand at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show. B495CD is the very car that appeared at that show, and it is a fascinating example of the forward-thinking approach independent coachbuilders could take. At the time, design C10M was quite polarizing; however, it found enough favor to see three similar examples built.Historical records and build sheets supplied by the RREC show that B495CD was produced to order for Mr. Ronald Strauss of Strauss, Turnbull & Co. The chassis left the works in June 1948 and shipped to James Young to receive its coachwork. Following the exhibition at the London Motor Show at Earls Court in late October, final delivery came in December 1948. In 1953, Mr. Strauss traded the car via Jack Barclay Ltd. who in turn sold it to Mrs. Caroline Blackmore. It appears she ran the car for approximately two years before selling it via Barclay to the legendary British racing driver and car dealer, Duncan Hamilton. He then sold the car to Thomas Whittle & Sons, Ltd, a well-known manufacturer of automotive belts located in Warrington. Copies of the chassis records and sales records from Barclay's are included in the extensive file. The British registration book documents all subsequent home-market owners. In the 1980s, B495CD received a full restoration and saw regular enjoyment on the road before being stored on behalf of the owner, understood to be The Hon. David Keightley Rideal Oliver. In 2003 it was sold by Oliver and shipped to the Netherlands where it received an extensive mechanical freshening. Service records from England and the Netherlands go as far as 2013 when the car made its way to America, where it was displayed in a private collection until recently. Today, this fascinating Bentley presents in good order with a light patina from age and gentle use. The two-tone blue and silver livery suits the car well, giving it an understated appeal. Full wheel covers – originally polished – are now painted to match the body and hidden beneath fill spats in the rear. The paint is generally good, with some minor imperfections noted under scrutiny. Nice original touches remain, such as the Lucas driving lamp, original Bentley B70 headlamps, flush-mounted trafficators, and unique bumper overriders. The four-place cabin is in lovely condition; the blue leather seats showing well, with light creasing in the otherwise supple Connolly hides. Blue Wilton carpets are in good order, and the extensive wood trim of the dash, door caps, and picnic trays was beautifully restored while in the care of the previous owner. Fine details include front wind wings that open via cranks, a set of hand tools in a sliding under-dash drawer, pivoting rear quarter lights, and a retractable rear sunshade. Rear passengers enjoy picnic trays and individual compartments, each containing a bar set consisting of two crystal shot glasses and a leather-bound whisky flask (or whiskey, depending on your drink of choice). Retaining its original, numbers-matching engine paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, this Mk VI delivers the relaxed, capable performance expected from a Bentley of the period. Built before 1949, this car is recognized by the CCCA as a Full Classic and therefore eligible for their CARavan tours, and is accompanied by a comprehensive history file. B495CD is a rarely seen example of James Young's New Look design language and is an excellent example of the creative spirit of one of Britain's greatest coachbuilders.
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