Description

The Bentley Mk VI Sports Saloon, produced from 1946 to 1952, was a landmark model in Bentley’s history as it was the first car to be both built and finished entirely at the company’s factory in Crewe. This marked a shift from the previous practice of supplying rolling chassis to independent coachbuilders. The Mk VI came with a standard steel body designed by Bentley, which was more restrained and formal in style, but it retained classic elegance and strong road presence.

Powered initially by a 4.25-litre straight-six engine and later upgraded to 4.5 litres, the Mk VI delivered smooth, refined performance suitable for long-distance touring. It featured independent front suspension, a four-speed manual gearbox, and hydraulic front brakes, which were progressive updates over pre-war models. Despite its stately appearance, the Mk VI had impressive handling and ride comfort, characteristics that upheld Bentley’s reputation for blending luxury with sporty driving dynamics.

Though many buyers chose the standard steel saloon body, the Mk VI chassis also remained available for custom coachwork, resulting in a range of distinctive, handcrafted variants by firms like H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, and Hooper. The Bentley Mk VI Sports Saloon played a vital role in the brand’s post-war recovery and laid the foundation for future models, successfully combining tradition with modern manufacturing efficiency.