UK vs UK — 1927 vs 1946
| 4.5 Litre Le Mans | Mk VI Standard Steel Saloon | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | 210 lb-ft | 203 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,398 cc | 4,257 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 15.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 92 mph | 95 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 20.1 sec |
| Weight | 3,360 lbs | 3,920 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,302 mm | 3,048 mm |
| Length | 4,420 mm | 4,877 mm |
| Units Produced | 665 | 5,208 |
| Original MSRP | $6,500 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $2,000,000 | $180,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 6/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans offers lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility, while the 1946 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel Saloon counters with more power, higher top speed, better value. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
Within the Bentley stable, the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans and 1946 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel Saloon represent different approaches to performance and purpose. Both carry the Bentley badge, yet each carves out its own distinct identity. The 1946 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel Saloon holds a clear advantage in raw power with 130 hp compared to 110 hp, a 20-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bentley 4.5 Litre uses a Inline-4 SOHC displacing 4,398 cc, while the Bentley Mk VI relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 4,257 cc. The 1946 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel Saloon claims a higher top speed at 95 mph compared to 92 mph. The Bentley 4.5 Litre carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 560 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 665 units built, the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans is considerably scarcer than the Bentley Mk VI's 5,208 examples. On the collector market, the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans commands a significant premium over the 1946 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel Saloon, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.