1947 Bentley Mark VI Franay Cabriolet

Carrosserie Franay, a renowned French coachbuilder, specialized in crafting custom bodies for high-end automobiles like Bentley, Bugatti, and Rolls-Royce. After World War II, Franay continued its legacy of bespoke luxury, producing only 18 bodies for Rolls-Royce and Bentley chassis in the early postwar years. Each design was unique and spectacular, often stealing the show at Concours d'Elegance events. This magnificent Bentley Mark VI perfectly embodies Franay's meticulous attention to detail, flamboyant curves, and the decadent elegance for which French coachbuilding was celebrated.
Introduced in 1946, the Bentley Mark VI was a true engineering marvel. It featured a modified Rolls-Royce engine and chassis, delivering exceptional performance and handling while maintaining Rolls-Royce's renowned refinement. This combination earned it the fitting nickname, the "Silent Sports Car." The Mark VI utilized a revised version of the pre-war Mark V chassis, boasting independent front suspension for precise steering and superior handling. Power came from a 4.25-liter F-head six-cylinder engine, producing 130 bhp. Its unique valve configuration, with overhead intake and side exhaust valves, allowed for unusually large intake valves, enhancing breathing. In 1951, Bentley upgraded the engine to 4.5 liters, boosting output to 150 bhp and increasing the top speed from 90 to over 100 mph. While Bentley began offering factory-bodied Mark VI "Standard Steel Saloons," the demand was so high that custom coach-built cars, like our feature car, were still commissioned.
The Bentley in focus, serial number B20BH, began its life as a running chassis, sold to M. Edward Gudol, a French munitions dealer. Gudol's directive to Franay was clear: create a show-stopping vehicle that would dazzle both the public and concours judges, cost no object. Franay's opulent creation exceeded all expectations. The Franay Cabriolet made a sensational public debut at the Paris Auto Show in October 1947. The following year, it swept the Grand Prix in all categories (Best of Show) at both the Enghien and Bois de Boulogne Concours d'Elegance events.
In 1951, Gudol returned the Bentley to Franay for further enhancements. The original 4 ¼ liter engine was replaced with a new 4 ½ liter unit and a dual exhaust system. Bentley Motors re-stamped the new engine with the original serial number, preserving its "numbers-matching" status. Minor trim changes were also made, most notably the conversion from a one-piece to a split two-piece windscreen with tilt-out glass for improved ventilation. The car later journeyed to England and then to America, passing through the hands of notable collectors, including Italian-American tenor Sergio Franchi and Lorin Tryon, former co-chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, who owned it for almost 30 years in unrestored condition.
In 1979, renowned auto enthusiast Gary Wales acquired the Bentley. Recognizing its immense potential despite its state of disrepair, Wales embarked on an extensive restoration. After years of meticulous research, including acquiring period photographs and locating rare parts, the restoration of the Franay Bentley commenced in 1988, starting with the chassis and engine. By 1991, the car was completely restored and accepted to be shown at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
The finished Bentley Franay Cabriolet was a true spectacle. Its design featured the bulbous and sweeping lines characteristic of the grand French coachbuilding style. Long, flowing fenders, skirted rear quarter panels, and delicate chrome trim created an illusion of speed even when the car was stationary. The three-position convertible top boasted unique beveled oval rear windows, adding to its sleek profile. The luxurious interior was lavishly appointed with leather seats, a radio, clocks, a compass, and even a bar with decanters. In a whimsical nod to the car's French coachbuilder, Wales upholstered the interior with approximately 1,300 tiny frog hides, affectionately calling it his "little French froggie car."
The completed Franay Bentley created a sensation at Pebble Beach, easily earning first place in its class and receiving the coveted French Cup. Gary Wales' lighthearted response to a judge's question about the frog skin upholstery—"No, the original ones croaked"—became legendary. The car narrowly missed the "Best in Show" honor by the closest margin in Pebble Beach history.
Under Gary Wales' ownership, the Bentley re-established itself as a global showstopper, accumulating over 50 major awards at various Concours d'Elegance events, including multiple Best of Show accolades. It was featured in numerous publications, television appearances, and even immortalized as a 1:24 scale model by Franklin Mint. Gary Wales sold the car in 2006 for $1,728,000, and it later set a record at auction in 2012, selling for $2,750,000. Today, this extraordinary Bentley remains in excellent condition, a testament to its timeless design and the passion of those who preserved its legacy.