Registration – JWR 690

Chassis No. – B.299.EW

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 19,614

‘JWR690’ is a genuinely rare example of a watershed model for Bentley. What is more, this example is notable for wearing a bespoke HJ Mulliner body in aluminium as opposed to the standard (actually slightly substandard post-war, rationed) steel that most left Crewe clad in. Only around 100 were believed to have been given the lightweight Mulliner treatment. ‘JWR690’ was enjoyed by just four keepers during the first 62 years of its existence. The fourth owner undertook a full restoration of ‘JWR690’ between 2003 and 2008 addressing all aspects of the Bentley including a full, bare metal respray. The fifth keeper bought ‘JWR690’ in 2012 and the current keeper acquired it in 2020 to become just its sixth in 76 years. ‘JWR690’ comes with plenty of provenance providing paperwork and restoration photographs and is exempt from MOT and zero rated for road tax. This remarkable Mulliner bodied Bentley is offered here with NO RESERVE.

The MK VI Bentley was the first postwar car for the marque and became hugely popular with over 5,200 produced between 1946 and 1952. The standard cars were steel bodied with the only material available at the time not necessarily up to normal Bentley standards. Just twenty percent of production was produced in rolling chassis form before going on to a number of independent coachbuilders to have bespoke bodies fitted. Around 100 only arrived at Mulliner. Mulliner’s wartime experience led them to perfect superb aluminium bodies which were much lighter, stiffer and offered better longevity than their steel counterparts. ‘JWR690’ is one of those chosen few making it rare indeed. Finished in bright silver and exhibiting a dramatic front end and curvaceous wings, ‘JWR690’ is a definite head turner. The sublime interior is a haven of oxblood hued leathers and copious amounts of inlaid walnut veneer. The paintwork, bodywork and interior are all rated as “average to good.”

‘JWR690’ is fitted with the so called 4 ¼ Litre engine which is a 4257cc straight six unit with an F-head and twin SU carburettors. The company didn’t disclose the car’s power output a number of road tests achieved top speeds very close to 100mph. All MK VI Bentleys were fitted with a four speed manual transmission with the gear lever on the right of the driver. The engine, transmission and electrics are all rated as “good.”

In summary:

• One of just 100 or so Mulliner bodied examples known to be made
• Subject to a 5-year diligent restoration in the early 2000’s including a full respray
• A lightweight version of the car thanks to the crafted aluminium body

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