Description
1951 Bentley Mark 6 H. J. Mulliner 'Lightweight' Saloon
Chassis Number: B140MD
Registration Number: 662 YUX
RARE BY DESIGN. The Bentley MKVI H. J. Mulliner 'Lightweight Sport Saloon' marks an important benchmark in Bentley's history, but also Mulliner's history. Offered in the Mulliner catalog between 1951 and 1954. The concept of a sedan with a sporty/ GT personality goes back to the 1920s with the 3L and 41/ 2L Derby Bentleys, then the 1950s Lightweight (41 made as MKVI and a few made as R-Type). In the 1980s/ 90s, came the Turbo R, and more recently Bentley resurrected this lineage with the Bentley Continental models.
The Bentley 'Lightweight' was also critical as it was the 4 door basis for the 2 door Continental. "With only 208 examples produced, the R-Type Continental was as rare a sight in the 1950s as it is today – but it went down in history as a benchmark Bentley, and the embodiment of the brand’s grand touring DNA (Bentley News Media 2022)". Finally, the Bentley 'Lightweight' is also purported to be the 1950/ 60s design which inspired John Blatchley for the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S.
The Bentley Chassis #B140MD (design #7243) above was the 23rd handmade Bentley from the rare 41 aluminum built Bentley sport saloon from the early 1950s. Note that these 'Lightweight' Sport Saloons are considerably rarer than the Coupe from the same era (Continental N=208). While values continue to climb, however, it is still one of the most accessible of Bentley/ Rolls-Royce’s most exclusive personal models built by Mulliner. Mulliner is the world oldest coachbuilder dating back to 1760.
Mulliner is now owned by Bentley Motors Limited in the UK, since 1959 through RR M&A, as it features Bentley's most top of the line models.
These very special all-aluminium 'Lightweight' Saloons were offered by H. J. Mulliner to those wanting something sleeker and more stylish than Bentley's Standard Steel Saloon. A significant premium reinforced the idea that these Lightweights were only reserved for Bentley's most discerning customers, with a price tag of £5105 versus the £3674 for the Standard Steel Saloon.
Only 41 of these aluminium 'Lightweight' Saloons were produced by H. J. Mulliner between 1951 and 1953. What makes this particular car even more desirable is that it is powered by Bentley's Big Bore 4. 5L straight-six engine, demonstrating a healthy power increase over the previous 4. 25L, as well as being fitted with dual exhaust pipes.
Presented here in Tudor Grey over Shell Grey, with a grey Vaumol leather interior and grey West of England cloth headlining, this Bentley MK VI H. J. Mulliner 'Lightweight' Saloon, B140MD, was exhibited at the 1951 Geneva Motor Show before being sold to its first owner, Monsieur Ervin Piquerez of Bassecourt, Switzerland. Mons. Piquerez was the founder and owner of Ervin Piquerez S. A., the company that invented the super-compressor, a dive-resistant watch case. The car remained in the Piquerez family until 2007, after which it was repatriated to the UK, where it underwent a massive 3-year restoration to return it to as-new condition.
Highlights of this extensive body-off restoration include:
- Fully overhauled chassis
- Complete overhaul of the entire fuel system, including the tank, the pumps and the filters
- Wiring loom completely rebuilt
- Rear springs removed and overhauled
- Shock absorbers removed and overhauled
- Steering system completely rebuilt
- All chrome removed and triple plated
- Bare metal repaint
- Any corroded aluminium cut out and replaced
- Complete braking system overhaul
- Complete interior strip-out and refurbishment
- Complete interior electrics overhaul
- Engine stripped and overhauled
A full list of the work carried out, with invoices to match, accompanies the large history file. Further upgrades added to the car include electronic ignition, Flexolite full flow oil filtration with spin-off canister, and uprated front anti-roll bar links.
As a result of its Swiss ownership, this right hand drive car is fitted with a speedometer in Km/ h, and has only covered a mere 59, 000Km from new.
This is certainly a unique opportunity to purchase such a fantastically-restored Bentley MK VI in this ultra-rare all-aluminium 'Lightweight' body by H. J. Mulliner.
Under the current onwership in the last 3 years some £8, 000 pounds have been spent including a new stainless steel exhaust & also new tyres all round as well as a major recent service. The car is thus absolutely ready for immediate extended use.
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