Story and History

A “one off” produced in Aluminium
Original MK VI chassis, engine and gearbox

The Bentley MK VI has been the basis for many a specials over the years; several we have been fortunate enough to sell, and Bentley, as a marque, is a perfect and appropriate canvas to create some extraordinary motorcars.

Ray Roberts documents this extremely well in his book 'Bentley Specials & Special Bentleys'. Covering specials from W.O Bentleys start, up to the cars of the 1990s when the book was published. He documents Specials by 'The Professionals'; Tim Abbott, Bradley Bros, The Lawrence Specials etc etc, but also Specials by 'The Amateurs'; Harry Rose, 'Rusty' Russ-Turner. All amazing cars and stories - and well worth a read!

Our “Special” has been produced purely as an indulgence and as such stands head & heels above many others

For instance, not only was the Chassis of B-280-NZ restored, but it was also galvanised making the need for later restoration redundant for future generations

Naturally the complete running gear was restored with similar attention to detail from the engine (number B-140-N) through to the gearbox & clutch assembly, to the differential.

Similarly the brakes & fuelling system were completely overhauled too

The ash frame was hand built by Dewarton - our friends long-standing & faithful mechanic - and the floor pans too. The penned aluminium body was commissioned by Vintage Wings & Radiators and clearly, the result are remarkable.

Once the body was finished for B-280-NZ and attached to the fully restored chassis, all the nitty gritty bits could be commissioned, built and fitted around the specially designed and upholstered seats by Bridge of Weir.

Convenience was a factor when designing her, not just the aesthetics, and a nice high up seating position perfect for modern motoring was chosen and helped by the larger wire wheels that the hubs were modified to accommodate, a large rope wound Bob Peterson steering wheel for great look and feel, a Feines built and very clearly laid out engine turned dash board with all new instruments, a windscreen higher than you'd expect built by Brass Craft for better wind cover and for a comfortable cabin when the bespoke mohair hood is up - of course there is also a matching tonneau cover (well, you would wouldn't you?).

All in all the concept was completed with both impeccable style and forethought.

3 years in the design & build process, resulting in what you see today.

The gentleman who commissioned the build of the body for B-280-NZ - a very good friend of ours - was quite an intellect and rather into cars. He had a fantastic collection and a real eye for detail. He took his passion a step past what most of us enthusiasts can do and he penned the aluminium body himself, with clear throwbacks to cars of the 1930s/1940s, but with his own style, twists and the benefit of modern knowledge. He helped design the interior, and stainless steel exhaust system too. We tip our hats off to him 🎩

Built by all the right people, and commissioned by a man who can only be described as brilliant, the car will provide so many happy memories and motoring stories to whoever decides to add this to their collection. A lucky person we think………...