Description

The Bentley Mark V Sports Saloon was introduced in 1939 as the successor to the Bentley 4¼ Litre. It marked a significant transition in Bentley’s pre-war development, incorporating modern design cues and mechanical advancements that foreshadowed post-war models. Although production was cut short due to the outbreak of World War II, the Mark V remains a rare and historically important car in Bentley’s lineage.

Built on a newly designed chassis, the Mark V featured independent front suspension for the first time in a Bentley, improving handling, comfort, and ride quality. This was a major step forward from the leaf-sprung solid front axles of previous models. The engine was a refined version of the 4¼ litre inline-six, paired with a more efficient gearbox and improved cooling systems.

The Sports Saloon body was typically crafted by renowned coachbuilders such as Park Ward, Mulliner, or James Young, each interpreting the car’s lines with subtle differences. Designs leaned toward a more streamlined, less boxy look, with integrated headlights, sweeping wings, and enclosed spare wheels. The interiors were luxuriously appointed with fine wood veneers, rich leather upholstery, and advanced instrumentation for the era.

Only a handful of Mark V chassis were completed before the war halted production, making surviving examples exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors. The model is notable not just for its scarcity but also for introducing engineering concepts that would influence Bentley’s design well into the post-war era, particularly in the development of the Bentley Mark VI.