Page 18 - Bentley Mark VI & R-Type

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THIS PAGE: In 1948, the name ‘Cresta’ was revived for a special version of the
Bentley Mark VI with a higher than standard rear axle ratio for higher cruising
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speeds and lower than standard steering column rake for sleeker coachwork, both
features anticipating the Bentley Continental. The project was initiated by Paris-
based Rolls-Royce and Bentley retailer Franco-Britannic Autos. The coachwork
was designed by Pininfarina and the first three were built by the same Italian
coachbuilder in Turin. Construction of the remaining ten, including the one-off
‘Cresta 2’ on the opposite page, was contracted to Facel Metallon in France. The
prototype, built in Turin, was chassis B323CD and the second car, B476DA, in
the upper photograph shared its broad radiator grille with the prototype. A later
‘Cresta’, B167JN, shows its more usual sized and shaped grille (though still without
the standard Bentley radiator shell) in the lower photograph.
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ALTON WATSOBentley Mark VI & R-Type