1947 Bentley Mark VI

This 1947 Bentley Mark VI is a highly documented early-production Mark VI with believed 18,072 original miles, retaining its original six-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission and right-hand-drive configuration. The Bentley presents in an ivory exterior trimmed in tan leather. This Bentley has long-term ownership history and known preservation work. Chassis B1BG represents one of the earliest post-war Standard Steel saloons that will be best enjoyed as a driver, collector piece and is ready to be restored to top levels. Chassis B1BG was produced during the earliest phase of Mark VI production following Bentleys return to automobile manufacturing after World War II. The chassis designation reflects the first sequence of Bentley production, with the B identifying Bentley manufacture and the BG suffix corresponding to vehicles built between 1946 and early 1948. The Bentley was originally purchased by T. E. Davies for Mrs. Mondron-Lethbridge, a French countess based in South Africa, who reportedly drove approximately 12,000 miles over 40 years. The Bentley was subsequently acquired by John Haag and shipped to Tucson, Arizona, followed by ownership under attorney Robert E. Lundquist, who refinished the Bentley in ivory acrylic enamel and drove the Bentley occasionally to cultural events. Later ownership included Robert Burch of Atlanta, Georgia, who stored the Bentley until 2006. A subsequent owner who performed mechanical servicing including a rebuilt water pump, replacement fuel pump, new weatherstripping, and tires. The Bentley was acquired by the current owner in 2023 for their collection. The Bentley is presented as a four-door Standard Steel Sport Saloon with the desirable manual sunroof and early small boot body design. The exterior was refinished in ivory white and is in overall good condition. Chrome trim including the upright Bentley grille, bumpers, mirrors, and lighting bezels show light patina appropriate to the Bentleys age. Coach-style front doors, period trafficator turn signals positioned on the B-pillar, and a British rear license plate BMT 216A. Steel wheels with Bentley hubcaps are fitted with 6.50-16 wide whitewall bias ply tires. Overall, the exterior reflects an older repaint with visible age but remains intact and representative of a usable preservation example. The interior of the Bentley is in overall good condition, retaining its original right-hand-drive configuration and tan leather seating in fair condition. The front and rear bench seats are in fair condition with the most notable condition of cracking in the well-used areas. The burled wood dashboard is in overall good condition and houses original Smiths gauges. The fuel gauge does not currently function and the steering wheel exhibits multiple cracks. We have referrals for steering wheel restoration that we can offer. The tan wool carpeting is in overall good condition. An aftermarket AM/FM/DVD system has been installed below the dash. Overall, the in