1952 Bentley MkVI Donnington Roadster

Bentley Mark VI Donington Special

Reg Nr NLC829 Chassis B260SR

Back in the 1970's a company called Johnard Vintage Cars of Blandford. Dorset. re-bodied a number of 1950's Bentley Mark VI standard steel cars with light roadster bodies.

The bodyshape was designed by renowned Bentley engineer and restorer John Guppy and 16 cars of this type were made. They were professionally-built by John Guppy and Dudley Beck in the late seventies with BDC Racing in mind and all 16 cars gained the official approval of Bentley Motors.

They were named after the Donington Park Grand Prix circuit and one is said to have been owned by Elton John. another competed in the gruelling 1997 Peking to Paris Challenge achieving 4th place in class. Being constructed from original Bentley components they are eligible for all Bentley Driver's Club Rallies and Racing Events.

NLC 829 is featured in Ray Roberts'definitive book of Bentley Specials and Special Bentleys which can be purchased from Amazon.

This car. Body Number 10 (according to the brass identification plate) has had very little use. with the odometer reading just over 7. 50 miles since construction. Finished in Carmen Red with black leather upholstery. fold-flat screen. luggage rack. hood. and sidescreens. It will cruise effortlessly at speeds far greater than that achieved by unmodified MKV1 Bentleys; its acceleration is astonishing with good road holding. and its Lockheed power-assisted brakes smooth. progressive and powerful.

With only 16 cars ever built this is rare opportunity to acquire a professionally designed and built. fully-sorted genuine Bentley Special with all the vintage virtues. for a relatively modest outlay.

For more info on this interesting car call John on 01253 734199

Based on the standard MkVI Bentley. the chassis were shortened and lowered with a 9 foot 1 inch wheelbase. powerful 4 and quarter litre straight six engine with 4 speed manual gearbox. The gear lever was moved from the right side to the centre for easier (and quicker) gear shifting.

The power unit and gearbox were moved back by around 18 inches. driving through a 2. 88:1 Jaguar limited slip rear axle. Shod with Wolfrace light alloy wheels as standard with front disc brakes. The cockpit tub of the flowing body is moulded fibreglass (5/16 thick) and is indistinguishable from pressed steel. Steel rollbar moulded into the scuttle. With long sweeping GRP fenders. in the classic manner. aluminium bonnet. slab petrol tank and spare wheel. servo-assisted brakes and alternator. the Donington weighed in at just a fraction over a ton.

The streamlined body built as low and slim as possible to restrict frontal area. It has outstanding traction. the combination of LSD. anti-tramp suspension and rearward weight distribution add up to extra grip on the road. wheelspin is not an option!