Description

The Bentley Mk VI Cresta by Facel is a rare and fascinating fusion of British engineering and French design flair. Built on the Bentley Mk VI chassis, this unique model was bodied by French coachbuilder Facel-Métallon in collaboration with Pininfarina, representing one of the earliest examples of continental influence on a traditionally British marque. Only a handful were ever made—fewer than 20—making the Cresta a highly sought-after collector’s car today.

Introduced in 1948, the Cresta featured a sleek fastback coupé design, a departure from the more conservative lines typically associated with Bentley. The bodywork was fabricated from lightweight aluminium and showcased a graceful, aerodynamic silhouette with subtle tail fins and a wraparound rear window, hallmarks of European postwar styling. The front retained Bentley’s distinctive grille, but the overall aesthetic was more streamlined and modern, signaling a shift toward international design sensibilities.

Inside, the car combined Bentley’s traditional luxury—such as rich wood trim, leather upholstery, and high-quality switchgear—with a more minimalist, continental layout. The result was a cabin that felt both elegant and forward-thinking, in keeping with the Cresta’s avant-garde exterior.

Under the bonnet was Bentley’s proven straight-six engine, initially a 4.25-litre unit paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, delivering smooth, reliable performance. While not a sports car in the traditional sense, the Cresta offered refined touring capabilities and a distinctive driving experience rooted in comfort and craftsmanship.

The Bentley Mk VI Cresta Facel stands as a testament to a brief but intriguing period of cross-cultural experimentation in the automotive world. It paved the way for Facel’s later success as a manufacturer in its own right and remains an important piece of both Bentley and Facel history—a car that bridged tradition with innovation and helped redefine what luxury could look like in the postwar era.