Bentley MK6 “Special” 2 Seater Sports 1948

Description:

Bentley MK6 “259HTR” was modified from a 4 door saloon to a 2 seater sports special in the early 80’s by Chas Wells who was a well respected motor engineer from the early 1930’s. He lived near Romsey and owned a garage there called The Plaza Garage where he repaired cars for many of the locals including working on the Mountbatten cars of Broadlands.
He retired in 1960 at the age of 47 and spent the rest of his life working on classic cars. Chas purchased Bentley 259HTR (in chassis form) in the 1980’s from Sydney Augustus Martin (Skid Martin) an old friend of Chas’s who used to race together at Brooklyns in the 30’s. Skid Martin was going to modify 259HTR but decided to buy Bentley HUK21 that was already completed.
Chas then set about modifying the chassis by moving the engine back 18 inches, shortening the prop shaft and lowering the radiator, building the body panels out of sheet aluminium and lowering the suspension.
Skid Martin would come over in his Bentley (HUK21) on a regular basis to Awbridge where Chas lived so Chas could take various measurements and templates to copy Skids Bentley. Chas finished 259HTR in 1993 and it has been dry stored ever since. Chas passed away in 2007 at the age of 93 and 259HTR was passed to his step son, the vendor.

Included in the sale is the original Bentley handbook, numerous hand written technical drawings and lists of mods carried out to the chassis, plus list of parts purchased. Correct klaxon horn fitted, and original Bentley inspection lamp fitted under bonnet. Also comes with aero screens and fittings (not fitted to the car) plus a number of spares.

Auctioneers notes: It is worth noting that the previous owners of HUK21 set up Derry Mallalieu engineering specialising in preparation of vintage and classic racing cars in addition to producing the Bentley Barchetta.