The post-World War II era saw a renaissance in automotive design as the industry scrambled to embrace new styling directions after nearly a decade of disruption. Among the boldest attempts to capture the spirit of this new age was Kent’s James Young coachbuilding firm, which unveiled the ‘New Look’ Bentley Mark VI in 1948. This ultra-streamlined two-door saloon, built on the Mark VI chassis, represented a departure from traditional designs with its fully integrated fenders and sleek lines.
Design and Heritage
The Bentley Mark VI ‘New Look’ is distinguished by its distinctive features, including rear fender “spats” and minimal chrome trim, embodying the era’s quest for modernity and efficiency. Only three examples of this design, designated as C10M, were produced. The car offered here, chassis number B495CD, was first showcased on James Young’s stand at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, where it made a significant impact and garnered attention from motoring enthusiasts and media alike.
Ownership and Restoration
Following its debut, this Bentley was delivered to Ronald Strauss of Strauss, Turnbull & Company. In 1955, it was acquired by renowned racing driver and dealer Duncan Hamilton, who sold it to Thomas Whittle & Sons, a notable fan belt manufacturer. The car underwent significant restoration in 1985, after which it participated in British motoring events.
The vehicle later entered the collection of John Ellison Jr., a prominent American collector of coachbuilt Bentleys and Rolls-Royces. Under his ownership, the Bentley’s interior woodwork was polished and extensive detailing and mechanical work were completed. Most recently, it was part of the prestigious Petersen Automotive Museum collection.
Unique Features
The ‘New Look’ Bentley showcases extraordinary details that highlight its innovative design. These include:
- Front wing windows with small turn handles.
- Exquisitely designed rear quarter windows that swivel open for ventilation.
- A manually operated “sunshine roof” originally designed with an electric motor.
- Period beverage glasses and a flask stored in door pockets.
- A Lucas driving light, original Bentley B70 headlamps, low-mounted trafficators, and finely crafted bumper guards.
- Sets of road and hand tools, along with Rolls-Royce Foundation documentation.
Legacy
The 1948 Bentley Mark VI ‘New Look’ by James Young remains a testament to the audacious styling and forward-thinking design of postwar Britain. As one of the most striking examples of streamlined design from James Young, this Bentley marks a pivotal moment in automotive history, representing both the end of an era and the dawn of new design philosophies.
Auction Details
This extraordinary Bentley will be offered at the Hershey 2024 auction, with no reserve. The estimated value ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 USD, reflecting its unique place in automotive history and its exceptional condition.
For collectors and enthusiasts of classic automobiles, this Bentley represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of postwar design history, embodying the innovative spirit of one of the United Kingdom’s premier coachbuilders.
Source: rmsothebys.com
This Article use tools from Chatgpt
