1948 Bentley Mark VI with James Young 'New Look' two-door saloon coachwork
Chassis B495CD is one of only three two-door examples of James Young's 'New Look' body style (design no. C10M) built on the Bentley Mark VI platform. Exhibited at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, where it attracted wide press attention, the car was subsequently owned by racing driver and dealer Duncan Hamilton before passing through several further hands. A substantial restoration was undertaken in 1985, and the Calumet Collection later carried out extensive recommissioning work. Numerous original period fittings survive intact.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$224,000
- 1948 → 1955Factory deliveryRonald Strausspartial documentation
Received the car following its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show; affiliated with the British brokerage firm Strauss, Turnbull & Company.
- 1955 → 1955Private saleDuncan Hamiltonpartial documentation
Noted racing driver and car dealer who acquired and promptly on-sold the vehicle.
- 1955 →Private saleThomas Wittle & Sonspartial documentation
Fan belt manufacturer based in Warrington; a significant restoration was carried out in 1985 at a reported cost of £36,000, after which the car was used briefly before being placed on static display for an extended period.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCalumet Collectionpartial documentation
Undertook comprehensive recommissioning work including interior wood refinishing, detailing, and mechanical servicing prior to the auction.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1985Restoration
A substantial restoration was reportedly completed at a cost of approximately £36,000, after which the car was used for a brief period before being placed on static display.
Cost figure cited as reported; the scope is described as 'much of the present restoration'.
- —ServiceCalumet Collection
Extensive recommissioning carried out by the Calumet Collection, encompassing interior woodwork polishing, detailed cosmetic attention throughout, and various mechanical work.
Undertaken after a prolonged period during which the car was kept on display rather than driven.
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