1951 | Bentley Mark VI

Rare. Elegant. Historic. This 1951 Bentley MK VI Cabriolet by Park Ward isn’t just another classic—it’s a landmark in Bentley’s post-war story. Only 57 examples were ever crafted to the refined Design 99 specification, and this particular chassis comes with a tale of its own.

From War to Recovery

The MK VI was Bentley’s first post-war model, introduced in 1946 as the successor to the short-lived Mark V, which the Second World War had cut short.

It marked the dawn of a new era: for the first time, Bentley produced a fully steel-bodied car directly at the Crewe works. Until then, the factory only delivered rolling chassis, leaving the finishing to independent coachbuilders. With the MK VI, Bentley set the tone themselves—while still allowing customers to commission bespoke creations from masters like Park Ward, a name that had belonged to Rolls-Royce since 1939.

Over the MK VI’s six-year production run, Park Ward built 57 convertibles. Among them: this particularly fine example with a rare option: an electric powered hood.

A Provenance with Prestige

On 28 March 1951, the car was delivered to its first owner, G.J.W. Wareing as a standard 4-door saloon. In 1975, it joined the collection of Sir Robert Boyd, a pioneer of British spaceflight and key figure in collaborations with NASA and ESA. In addition to this Mark VI Saloon, Boyd owned another Mark VI with a Park Ward Drophead coupé design 99 with chassis number B186LJ. However, the chassis was in poor condition, so Sir Robert Boyd undertook the project to save the beautiful bodywork and rebuild it – a decision that gave the car its current form and exclusivity.

Today, it comes with its original handbook and an impressive file of invoices. In 2015, it underwent a meticulous restoration costing over €80,000.

Behind the Wheel: Old-School Chic

Slip behind the wheel and you’re rewarded with an experience like no other. The straight-six 4¼-litre engine doesn’t boast high numbers, but as Bentley put it at the time: “adequate power.” In practice, that translates into a majestic, yacht-like glide across the tarmac. Surprisingly, the MK VI keeps pace with modern traffic rather well.

Shifting back to 1st gear requires a little practice—the lost art of double-declutching—but once mastered, it creates a unique connection with the machine. Inside, you’re immersed in timeless luxury: thick leather, deep-polished wood, and delightful details such as pop-out indicators and fast window winders. The electric operated soft top makes open-air motoring effortless.

Market & Investment

While pre-war Bentleys have reached near-unattainable levels, post-war icons like the MK VI remain relatively accessible. For the discerning enthusiast, that means a rare opportunity: history, prestige, and driving pleasure without the astronomical price tag.

Conclusion

This Bentley MK VI Cabriolet by Park Ward is a moving chapter of British motoring heritage. Rare, stylish, and impeccably maintained, it blends exclusivity with genuine usability. For those seeking a classic with both sense and style, this is the Bentley to own—today.

More information: www.marreyt.com