1952 Bentley Mk VI
HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED IT?
Having been badgered by ‘Bentley boys’ of my acquaintance to buy a ‘proper’ car, I acquired a 1952 ‘big-bore’ Bentley Standard Steel Mark VI saloon. I first encountered the model in 1951 when, as a tenyear-old, I read eulogistic road tests in The Motor and Autocar. I found an immaculate one privately. Known faults included overheating in traffic and a malfunctioning brake servo. A deal was done. I found a Royce-trained mechanic three miles from home who repaired the servo, and I removed the radiator for recoring by a local specialist. It now stops on a sixpence and runs cool.
HOW MUCH HISTORY?
The car was supplied new in May 1952 by Scottish Motor Transport Sales and Service Co. Ltd. of Aberdeen, and the first owner kept it until 2005. It cost a hefty £4473 in 1952, which could have then funded three semi-detached houses. Mileage is 104k with fullydocumented history and I’m the fourth owner. The car has been resprayed in Velvet Green, as supplied, and is original even down to trim and carpets. It is rust-free.
HAS IT BEEN MODIFIED?
I installed electronic ignition, which gives instant starting.
WHAT’S LEFT TO DO ON IT?
The Weathershields sunroof was malfunctioning so I have removed this for replacement of the felt draught-excluder strips and for adjustment. A temperamental SU fuel pump presumably needs its points cleaning, fortunately a straightforward task.