Bentley Mark VI Countryman - Woody Shooting Break

About this car

Bentley Motors Ltd made a complete departure from their former policy by announcing the introduction of an entirely new Bentley in 1949. It was factory built throughout and the vast majority of Bentley Mk VI’s produced were fitted with the new standard steel coachwork from the factory. However in keeping with tradition, special coachbuilt bodies were also available upon request. 

Infosheet

YEAR OF MANUFACTURING
1947
 
first registration
26/01/1948
 
CHASSIS
B397BG
 
ENGINE
4,9 LITRE INLINE 6
Car Type
Shooting break
 
Fuel Type
PETROL
 
COACHBUILDER
HAROLD RADFORD
 
PRICE
ON REQUEST 

Immediate success

Chassis No B397BG was completed by the end of 1947 and first registered on 26 January 1948 fitted with a woody style shooting brake body coachbuilt by Harold Radford. This West London coachbuilder and motor dealer was specialized in Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars. The Countryman was an early version of the hatchback concept and was an immediate success.

Radford retained the standard Mk VI chassis, bonnet and radiator grill whilst the floor pan and scuttle were modified to suit the new style coachwork. The rear side of the car consists of seats that fold flat to reveal an expansive luggage storage area, finished with beautifully varnished wooden panels.

 

The “Woody” we’re offering is one of only 8 ever built and was the personal car of coachbuilder Harold Radford. It was the actual car that was presented at the 1948 Cannes Autoshow where it won the Concours d’Elegance. The Motorsport Magazine wrote an article about this car in 1949 and it is in the BENTLEY MK. VI. owners guide book written by Bernard L. King. 

Rich history 

In the mid 1980s, this example was restored in England and the engine was upgraded with a late series Bentley S1 Engine. This 4,9L inline 6 engine was installed to ensure a smooth ride with lots of torque. The original matching numbers engine is still present and comes with the car. Lots of factory chassis cards, FIVA pass, taxation report, history files, an old style logbook and a rich service history are present with this interesting and attractive Bentley. 

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