1948 Bentley MK VI Hooper Sports Saloon

1948 Bentley MK VI Hooper Sports Saloon finished in Grey and Black with Grey / Green hide interior. Hooper Design no. 8111 is a very elegant and sleek four door Sports Saloon, the design being chosen by the Maharaja of Mysore for his 1949 Bentley MK VI, see Page 263, ‘Bentley Fifty Years Of The Marque’ by Jonnie Green. This example, chassis number B. 2. CF was originally ordered from Bentley Motors, Conduit Street on the 5th December 1946 by Mr O. R Guard having seen the design in the latest Hooper catalogue. The car would not be complete until March 1948. Mr Guard’s requirements were as follows: concealed running boards, electrically operated drivers window, Birch Grey and Black paintwork, centre folding arm rest to front seat, and ‘Golden’ Burr Walnut veneer. The last gentleman owner owned the car for over 15 years during which time the car was carefully maintained including upgrading the engine to a 4. 6 litre ‘Big Bore’ which gives the car more power for modern driving. On the road the car performs very well in all aspects, the steering is light and direct, the suspension supple and the manual gearchange smooth and easy. Presented in beautiful condition throughout this Hooper retains a nice feel of originality without being tired, the original leather is beautifully patinated, the figured Walnut has a wonderful deep lustre and the wool cloth headlining and Wilton carpets are perfect. The Aluminium bodywork is in very good order as is the paintwork, still finished in its original livery. Sold complete with small and large tools and fascinating history file which includes the original file of documents and correspondents from Hooper, also detailed in the file are copies of the original design drawing. The car will be fully serviced and prepared with 1 year’s MOT.