1950 | Bentley Mk VI Straight Eight B81 Special

UKD 130 is a rather exceptional Bentley MKVI Special that has been beautifully converted to an open 2+2 sportscar by the Regional Chairman of the Bentley Driver’s Club. The impressive chassis-up rebuild took three years and the result is a very striking and powerful touring car. Chassis B469FU was originally a Crewe-built Bentley MKVI standard steel bodied saloon first registered by Jack Barclay Ltd. on the 31st of January 1950 The Bentley MKV1 introduced in April 1946 was Rolls-Royce's first attempt at an in-house complete car. Although many examples were built as rolling chassis only for bespoke bodywork by the many coachbuilders of the day, the standard steel model was by far the most popular. With its overhead valve for 4235cc six cylinder engine and four speed gearbox, this was a spacious and comfortable saloon car capable of 90 mph. Whilst the standard steel bodies were handsome and well put together, sadly the relatively poor quality of post-war steel produced in the UK meant that by the 1970s many of these bodies had rusted beyond economical repair. The excellent chassis and running gear was then used for a variety of one off specials, and popular retro conversions like the Mallelieu MKV1.


The exemplary 3-year conversion began in 2003, with the old steel body removed and the chassis then recommissioned before a Harry Rose Body tub was fitted with aluminium panels and bonnet. The engine was fully rebuilt, and a retro-fit overdrive unit was installed. The wiring was completely overhauled, and the vehicle was beautifully retrimmed with black carpets and black vinyl seats. With its new appearance, some other upgrades were carried out including a Kenlowe Fan and K&N air filter kit.


Taking the already very capable MKVI, reducing the weight of the body and adding some subtle performance upgrades is the perfect recipe for a truly enjoyable open top Bentley. On the open road, this car comes alive. A raspy sporting exhaust note comes from the superb 4 ¼ litre power plant as it pulls strongly through the rev range. The addition of the overdrive unit ensures relaxed touring at sustained high speeds. The original servo assisted brake system delivers stopping performance to match the car's power. The Bentley comes with a substantial history file and is a car which really does need to be driven to be appreciated.