1949 Bentley MkVI James Young Coupe, CA Surivor Show Car One Owner 40 Yrs! Rare!

Description

This is a delightful and especially rare James Young Coupe Bentley Mk VI. It has been owned since 1977 by the same RROC family who has carefully maintained and consistently shown it at concours and RROC events throughout California. It comes with a HUGE file covering the past 40 years under the ownership of Robert and Michael Wardlow.

The first owner of the car was JW Cartlidge, Esq, chairman of Dyson & Co. Enfield (1919) Ltd. in Middlesex. He owned the Bentley from it’s delivery in July 27th of 1950 through July 15th of 1961 when it was sold to Mr. Conway Clifford of Gloucestershire. On August 5th, 1964 it was sold to EH Wellband Ltd. We do not have documentation as to when and how it made its way to California, but sometime before 1977 it did! The factory and James Young files consist of about 30 pages of history from 1948 until 1964.

Although B334EY is a James Young Coupe, the chassis was originally going to be sent to Gurney Nutting to be fitted with an outrageous Sedanca coupe show car body for an Indian Maharaja that was to be fitted with everything possible: flag staff, illuminated royal crests, fitted red leather suitcases, flasks and glasses, three person picnic basket, etc. Alas, the order was changed and B334EY was instead given to James Young to fit this remarkable Coupe body!

Condition: (Please review the 100 photos and the detailed inspection video which includes a test drive) From what we've been told and can observe, the car is largely original and has only been maintained, shown, toured in and preserved. This is NOT a barn find. It has been continuously shown at concours events and RROC events and comes fully documented.

The original Bentley Green lacquer is in remarkable condition. As you would expect, it still shows its shiny luster and the years have created cracking in the paint. This is inevitable and is befitting of an original preserved motorcar. There is NO VISABLE RUST.

The chrome and stainless overall are in good to very good condition. The rear bumper is the only piece that could benefit from staightening if one wanted to. The glass is original and excellent.

The red leather interior is beautiful. For Connolly Leather to be in such fantastic shape after 67 years is indicative of a car that has been loved and cared for since new. There are normal age patina markings on the leather but overall it is very nice. The gorgeous wood throughout is stunning. As you would expect from James Young coachwork.

The engine compartment reflects more recent detailing for show. It appears as thought the engine compartment has been painted, polished and prepped for concours events. It looks really nice! Further, the undercarriage has also been nicely cleaned and painted for preservation and show. The original leather gaters covering the rear leaf springs are in excellent condition. The exhaust system appears to be new. This is a sign that this example has not seen harsh weather and has been well cared for mechanically.

Of course this is remarkably rust free as one would expect from a car that has spent much of its life in California in the hands of a loving RROC owner. The car comes with a large collection of tools, Spares, history file, awards, ribbons, judging sheets, shop manual, receipts, etc.

B334EY drives beautifully and has fantastic power. I believe this car to be the best performing MK VI that I've had. The trafficators do not work. The lights and gauges work well. The brakes and suspension are very nice with recent brake work performed. It is terrific to drive!

We are sad to have to sell this gorgeous Bentley. It is rare to find such an original James Young Coupe. It's even rarer that it would have such perfect provenance with long term RROC ownership and a history of being shown since the '70's!

For more details please contact Harry Clark at 951.901.5088951.901.5088 or email me at harry@classicpromenade.com. If you like this car don't delay. There's only one.