Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel Saloon
The Bentley Mk VI, produced from 1946 to 1952, holds a pivotal position in the marque's history. It was the first Bentley to be offered with a standard factory-built body — the 'Standard Steel Saloon' — breaking from the long-standing tradition of selling rolling chassis to independent coachbuilders. This decision, made under the Rolls-Royce ownership that had acquired Bentley in 1931, was a pragmatic response to post-war austerity and changing market conditions.
The Standard Steel Saloon body was designed by Rolls-Royce and manufactured by Pressed Steel Company at Cowley, near Oxford. It was a dignified four-door design with flowing wings, a traditional Bentley radiator grille, and generous interior proportions. Despite being a production body rather than bespoke coachwork, the quality of finish was exemplary, with hand-rubbed paintwork, leather upholstery, and wood veneer trim.
Mechanically, the Mk VI featured a refined 4.25-litre straight-six engine that traced its lineage to pre-war designs. This inlet-over-exhaust unit produced approximately 130 bhp and was fed by twin SU carburetors. In 1951, the engine was enlarged to 4.5 litres for improved performance. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, with synchromesh on the upper three ratios.
The chassis featured independent front suspension — a first for Bentley — using coil springs and wishbones, while the rear retained a conventional live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Servo-assisted drum brakes provided adequate stopping power, and the steering was a cam-and-roller type that provided reasonable precision for a car of this size.
Despite the availability of the Standard Steel Saloon, around 30 percent of Mk VI chassis were still supplied to independent coachbuilders. Firms like H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, James Young, Hooper, and Freestone & Webb created stunning bespoke bodies ranging from elegant drophead coupes to formal limousines. These coachbuilt examples are the most valuable Mk VIs today.
The Mk VI was an enormous commercial success by Bentley standards, with 5,208 examples built during its six-year production run. It established the pattern of Bentley offering complete cars that would continue with the R-Type and beyond, effectively creating the modern Bentley ownership experience.
The Mk VI also holds significance as the model that cemented Crewe as Bentley's home. Production had moved from Derby to Crewe during the war years, and the Mk VI was the first Bentley designed specifically for manufacture at the Crewe factory.
Standard Steel Saloon bodies are prone to rust in the lower wing sections, sills, and boot floor. The wooden body frame can suffer from rot where moisture penetrates. Check the chassis for corrosion, particularly at mounting points. The straight-six engine is reliable but ensure oil pressure is adequate when warm. Gearbox synchromesh can be worn — test all gear changes carefully. Brake hydraulic systems need regular attention. Coachbuilt cars command much higher prices but verify authenticity of coachwork through Bentley Drivers Club records. Electrical systems are 12-volt positive earth. Parts availability is reasonable through specialist suppliers. Interior leather and woodwork restoration is expensive. Running costs are modest by Bentley standards.
First Bentley with factory body (Standard Steel Saloon by Pressed Steel Co). Approximately 30% still supplied as rolling chassis to coachbuilders. Engine enlarged from 4.25 to 4.5 litres in 1951. First Bentley with independent front suspension. Built at Crewe, establishing it as Bentley's permanent home.