1950 Bentley MK VI Park Ward Drophead Coupe

KEY FACTS

• A rare and elegant post-war British luxury car, this Bentley Mk VI was fitted from new with Park Ward’s sought-after Drophead Coupe coachwork, incorporating lightweight aluminium body panels and distinctive rear wheel spats.
• It is powered by a 4,257cc straight-six, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission.
• Copies of some original build notes reveal that at one point it was intended for Edward Rayne Esq (possibly the head of H&M Rayne who later became ‘Sir’ Edward Rayne), but was subsequently supplied to a Mrs N G Byrne in Birmingham.
• While delivered within the UK, the seller believes it was later exported to South Africa. The HPI data indicates that it was reimported to the UK and registered with the DVLA again in 2004.
• The odometer indicates 74,665 miles, which the seller believes could be the genuine total from new.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This Mk VI is described as a Park Ward ‘Long Tail’ Drophead Coupe, understood to correspond with the coachbuilder’s Design 99 body style. Period references for this design note its graceful ‘long wing’ profile and lightweight aluminium body construction.
• It is believed that fewer than 60 were made of this design.
• The car is finished in black over a black and red interior.
• The seller notes an electric/hydraulic folding roof operated by a dashboard-mounted Bakelite switch.
• Fender skirts are fitted over the rear wheels.
• The seller has not reported any customisation, and states that the car has not been modified.
• The Bentley starts without keys.
• At present, the seller has not located any handbooks or supporting paperwork, though notes they are still searching for these items.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: the car was reportedly resprayed around 10 years ago.
• The seller describes the interior trim as fair.
• No mechanical or electrical faults have been reported by the seller.
• No accident damage or other bodywork damage has been reported by the seller.
• No MOT test information has been provided, which is not unusual for a vehicle of this age.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The seller states that the last maintenance was carried out by local mechanics.
• Prior to this, the car has reportedly been stored and hardly driven for around 10 years.
• In November 2003, Bentley & Rolls-Royce specialist Ghost Motor Works carried out and oversaw a raft of maintenance and refurbishment tasks. This included removal of the bonnet, front screen and windows, selected areas repainted, removal of the cylinder head to de-coke the engine, polishing of the internal wood trim, fitment of a new fan belt, new taillight lenses, new heater matrix, and new aerial. A full 48,000-mile interval service was carried out, as well as cleaning up of the starter, fitment of new rear spring shackles and pins, brake servo overhaul, front suspension overhaul, and five new tyres. The boot was also re-trimmed, the mid exhaust silencer was replaced, and new horns, wiper blades, and a battery were fitted.

SUMMARY

This Bentley Mk VI Park Ward Drophead Coupe is a characterful and rare coachbuilt British classic, combining the 4.25-litre straight-six with the elegance of the desirable Design 99 ‘long wing’ body style. It has been in long-term ownership, and is presented in a handsome colour scheme. For the next owner, it should offer an appealing opportunity to enjoy a distinctive post-war open-top Bentley at shows, touring events, and relaxed weekend drives.

Descriptions are provided by the seller and, to their knowledge, are accurate and not misleading. Buyers must satisfy themselves of the description’s accuracy, and independent research is strongly advised. Enquiries should be raised in the comments section and any inspections arranged before bidding.

Classic and collectible vehicles may have had cosmetic or bodywork repairs that are not visually apparent. Photographs may not accurately reflect colour or condition, so buyers should confirm key details directly with the seller. Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a car or bike. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.