Description
This motorcycle is Lot 76 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online January Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between January 17th through January 27th, with lots closing from midday January 27th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 22nd January 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 76
1948 Bentley Mark VI Special
Registration no. KMA 475
Frame no.
Engine no. B300C (see text)
"Perhaps the outstanding thought from extensive driving of the Bentley MkVI built by the world's premier car manufacturers, Rolls-Royce, is that it has no single predominant feature but gains its unique position from a combination of superbly matched qualities that raise it above the level of other cars." - The Autocar magazine, April 1950.
Although Rolls-Royce retained a separate chassis for its immediately post-war models, the company broke with the coachbuilt tradition by introducing standard bodywork. The 'standard steel' body was available at first only on the MkVI Bentley (the equivalent Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn not arriving until 1949) though customers could still opt for a coachbuilt alternative if they so desired. Other notable features were independent front suspension and hydraulic front brakes, while powering the range was a new 4, 257cc (later 4, 566cc) six-cylinder engine featuring inlet-over-exhaust valve gear.
In the absence from the post-war Bentley range of anything remotely resembling its Vintage-era touring models, enthusiasts with a yen for stripped-down, wind-in-the-hair excitement had little choice but to opt for a conversion. A number of specialist coachbuilders offered variations on the theme, though the constructor of this example is not known. 'KMA 475' has an open four-seater four-door touring body in aluminium finished in British Racing Green and equipped with running boards and steel cycle wings.
The car's entry in Ray Roberts' Bentley Specials & Special Bentleys (1990) is brief: "A MK VI Special on an early 4¼-Litre chassis, with minimal changes made and fitted with a four-seater body with a useful boot for touring. "Seen at Kensington Gardens, London in 1988, owned by F (Frank) J Giron-Conlan."
The Bentley was acquired by our vendor in 2022, since when it has been used sparingly and kept dry-stored in the garage, with the battery on trickle charge. The car was last running in November 2024. It carries a tax disc that expired on 28th February 2015 and there are various motoring and other badges attached to the front badge bar.
Accompanying documents include a current V5C Registration Certificate; DVLA tax/ SORN correspondence; and a photocopy of the factory record card. The latter reveals that chassis number 'B99CD' - a 'standard steel' saloon registered 'KMA 475' - was first owned by the Rt Hon Osbert Peake, MP, resident at 10 Hyde Park Gardens, London W2. The car also comes with a selection of tools and a battery trickle charger.
We advise prospective purchasers to study the online images in order to satisfy themselves with regard to the car's cosmetic condition prior to bidding. It should be noted that the engine number appears to have been restamped.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
