Description
This is lot number 550 in the Bonhams Beaulieu Sale on September 14th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Formerly owned and restored by R-REC chairman Malcolm Tucker
Engine rebuilt by RR&B Garages in the early 2000s
Clutch and rear axle rebuilt by RR&B in 2009
Present ownership since 2014
Only circa 2, 000 miles in the last 10 years
Comprehensive history file
An early 4¼-litre model, this MkVI carries unique semi-razor-edge saloon coachwork by Freestone & Webb. A previous owner took the car to the USA and it was in a very sorry state when it was rediscovered there years later. It was, however, complete and was purchased and brought back to the UK by Malcolm Tucker, former chairman of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club. In collaboration with marque specialists Healey Brothers, Mr Tucker undertook a full 'body-off' restoration in the mid/ late 1990s, and on completion in 1999 the car was awarded an R-REC 'Certificate of Merit'. A complete record of the works is on file.
The Bentley was purchased by the preceding owner in 2001 and subsequently benefited from a comprehensive engine rebuild by RR&B Garages (all bills on file). Replaced in the course of the rebuild, the original cylinder block is included in the sale together with a set of pistons. In 2009 RR&B rebuilt the clutch and rear axle.
Concours awards won include P&A Wood's 'Best Touring Car' at the R-REC annual rally (2005) and the Bentley Drivers' Club's 'Best Patina' award for best coachbuilt MkVI or R-Type (2006 and 2012). Our vendor purchased the MkVI at Bonhams' RAF Museum, Hendon sale in April 2014 (Lot 362), since when it has covered a mere 2, 000-or-so miles.
'SMH 3' is finished in two-tone Garnet/ Bordeaux livery with re-trimmed light tan leather upholstery and red carpets. Front seat seatbelts and Bentley-marked Talbot wheel trims (fitted from new) are the only notified deviations from factory specification.
