Description

The Bentley Mk VI Cresta II by Facel is an ultra-rare continuation of the Franco-British collaboration that began with the original Cresta. Built in the early 1950s on the Bentley Mk VI chassis, the Cresta II was a refined evolution of the first model, again bodied by French coachbuilder Facel-Métallon with design input from the Italian studio Pininfarina. It was part of a very limited production—reportedly just a few units were made—making it one of the most exclusive Bentleys ever produced.

Visually, the Cresta II maintained the fastback coupé silhouette of its predecessor but with smoother lines and more integrated detailing. The rear fins were toned down slightly, while the overall shape became more harmonious and elegant. The front end continued to wear the iconic Bentley matrix grille, but the fenders and lighting were subtly reworked to enhance the car’s streamlined, European appeal.

Facel made extensive use of lightweight aluminium for the body panels, giving the car a lithe character despite its luxury-class proportions. The design reflected a maturing of postwar continental coachbuilding—balancing grace and presence with restrained flair. Inside, the Cresta II offered an upgraded interior with bespoke touches: fine French leather, polished wood veneers, and an art deco-inspired dashboard layout.

Under the bonnet remained Bentley’s robust 4.25-litre inline-six engine, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. The powertrain delivered quiet, confident cruising performance, in keeping with the car’s role as a grand tourer rather than a sports machine. Suspension and ride quality were optimized for comfort, and the car’s relatively low weight improved handling characteristics compared to its heavier, more conservatively bodied counterparts.

The Bentley Mk VI Cresta II by Facel occupies a fascinating place in automotive history—at once a symbol of Bentley’s postwar adaptability and a preview of Facel’s growing ambition as a carmaker, which would later culminate in the launch of Facel Vega. The Cresta II is exceedingly rare, with only a handful known to survive, making it one of the most collectible and obscure Bentley variants, treasured for its international pedigree and exquisite craftsmanship.