Introduced in 1946, Bentley's Mk VI was the first vehicle ever offered by the company with factory-designed coachwork, and the first to be assembled in Rolls-Royce's Crewe factory rather than the old Derby premises.

Aimed at the emerging 'owner-driver' luxury car market, the newcomer was closely based on the 1939 Mk V (of which only fifteen were produced).

Built around a massive cruciform-braced chassis with independent front suspension and a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle, it was fitted with a freshly developed 4,257cc OISE (overhead inlet, side exhaust valve) straight-six engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox.

Capable of over 100mph when clad in the factory's understated 'standard steel saloon' coachwork, the Mk.

VI quickly developed a reputation for being a refined yet responsive drive.

This long-term, dry stored barn find restoration project is thought to be largely complete and unmolested.

Finished in brown over gold with brown leather and displaying a credible recorded ...