Description

The Bentley Mk VI Woody Wagon is one of the most unusual and charming interpretations of the postwar Bentley chassis. While Bentley was known for its luxury saloons and grand tourers, a handful of coachbuilders and private clients commissioned bespoke estate cars—also known as “shooting brakes” or “woodies”—using the robust and reliable Mk VI platform as a base. These conversions were rare and often built for country estates, hunting parties, or simply as a statement of style and practicality combined with Bentley’s trademark refinement.

Typically, the Mk VI Woody Wagon featured handcrafted wooden framing on the rear bodywork, often made from ash or mahogany, combined with aluminum or steel paneling for the front. The design echoed the tradition of British estate cars from marques like Rolls-Royce and Bentley in the prewar era, where the rear portion of the body was open or constructed with timber for durability and ease of repair on rural properties.

Inside, these wagons retained the luxurious trappings of a Bentley—plush leather seats, walnut dashboards, and high-quality fittings—but added the versatility of a cargo area, fold-down rear seats, and sometimes rear-opening “barn” or tailgate-style doors. This blend of opulence and utility made the Woody Wagon perfect for a gentleman who wanted to transport sporting equipment or dogs without sacrificing comfort or prestige.

Mechanically, the wagon retained the Mk VI’s inline-six engine—either the early 4.25-litre or later 4.6-litre version—mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Despite the extra body weight, the performance remained respectable, and the handling was aided by Bentley’s proven suspension setup, ensuring a smooth ride even on rough country lanes.

Because these Woody Wagons were typically one-off or very low-volume builds by coachbuilders such as Harold Radford, Rippon Bros., or Abbott of Farnham, each example is unique in detailing and finish. Today, the Bentley Mk VI Woody Wagon is highly prized among collectors for its rarity, period charm, and the way it represents a quirky yet utterly British take on luxury motoring.