1946 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel

4dr Sedan

6-cyl. 4257cc/NA hp 2x1bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$22,200*

equal0%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$5k$10k$15k$20kJan 2025
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1946-1952 Bentley Mark VI stats
Highest sale
$2,750,000
Lowest sale
$2,270
Most recent sale
$9,461
Sales
312

Photos

45 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1948 Bentley Mk VI James Young 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
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Model overview

Model description

As Britain adopted the “export or perish” motto in the immediate post-war years, Rolls-Royce designed a model aimed at a broader American market. The Bentley Mark VI was the result, and Rolls-Royce probably owes its survival to the model.

In 1946, Rolls-Royce moved its production from Derby to Crewe and began building complete cars. The first new Bentley was the Mark VI, based on the 1939 Park Ward-designed Mark V. The new car used the same independent front suspension and an inlet-over-exhaust valve six-cylinder engine of 4,257 cc, which was increased to 4,566 cc in 1951. The cars had centralized lubrication, and all were fitted with four-speed manual gearboxes.

The Mark VI was the first Rolls-Royce produced with a steel body (now referred to as “Standard Steel” models), and all factory-bodied cars were four-door sedans with sliding sunroofs. Coachbuilders such as Park Ward, James Young, H.J. Mulliner, Freestone and Webb and even Graber, Pininfarina, and Saoutchik on the continent also offered drophead coupes, limousines, sedancas and other exotic interpretations. The Mark VI sold for 4,038 British pounds, including purchase tax, which was about 12 times the cost of a new Ford. In all 5,201 would be built over a six-year period before the model was replaced by the longer and more elegant Bentley R-Type in 1952.

The Bentley Mark VI standard steel saloon compares favorably to modern iron, with 150 hp from the larger engine and top speeds around 100 mph. The leather seats, walnut veneers and no-nonsense instruments are tasteful and timeless. Despite the somber Aunt Emily styling, this is a responsive, nimble, quiet, and torquey road car. The Bentley Mark VI is one of the few cars from this period that can comfortably be driven long distances.

The cost of restoring a Mark VI saloon can be several times the car’s market value; however, once repaired, a Mark VI is relatively inexpensive to maintain and can ably serve as a daily driver. As such, an honest Bentley Mk VI can be a good introduction to classic motoring. Of course, the same does not hold true for a car with needs, so shop with patience and diligence, and check for service records whenever possible.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1946 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $22,200 for a 1946 Bentley Mk VI Standard Steel in good condition with average spec.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.