We at Classic Promenade often have the privilege to offer to the market many of the most important and finest motorcars in the world.  Often these sales set world records because of the uniqueness of the car (such as the “Gatsby” Rolls) or the quality of the restoration.

Our recent Private Sale in June 2025 of the famous 1947 Bentley Mark VI Drophead Coupe by Franay was such an opportunity.  This is the most important and valuable Post-War Bentley in the world.  There is nothing that comes close to its spectacular design and execution. This will most likely always earn the Best in Class and/or Best of Show at almost any major concours event in the world.

HISTORY OF THE FRANAY BENTLEY:  French industrialist Monsieur Gudol was committed to prove to the world that French art of designing and creating the most beautiful cars in the world was alive and well after World War II.  He approached the Paris-based coachbuilder Carrossier Franay with the challenge of creating a concours winning show car from a 1947 Bentley Mark VI chassis.  Chassis B20BH was sent to Franay specifically to be presented as the coachbuilders 1947 Paris Auto Show car.  Subsequent to the Paris Auto Show, B20BH was shown and earned Best of Show awards at two major concours events at Enghien and Boulogne, becoming the first car to win a major concours event following the War.

In 1951, Monsieur Gudol returned the Bentley to Franay with the specific instructions to “spare no expense” to enhance and update the original design to create rolling sculpture.  The coachbuilder updated its design and returned the Bentley to Bentley Motors, where it was upgraded with the latest R-Type 4.5-liter engine and dual exhaust.  Remarkably, the Bentley Motors factory records reflect the engine upgrade and the stamping of the new engine with the original engine number, B10B (we have never seen this done before).

By 1955, the Bentley was acquired by owners in England and was later imported into the United States.  Sergio Franchi, the famous opera singer and car collector as well as Lorin Tyron, the co-Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance were among the owners of the Franay Bentley.  In 1979, Gary Wales of Woodland Hills, CA acquired the Bentley from Mr. Tyron, and he commenced his efforts to fully document its history through nearly a decade of research and accumulation of photographs.

Mr. Wales impeccably restored the drivetrain and chassis to concours standards and while the body was being restored. He would frequently drive the Bentley, sans-coachwork, to car shows and concours events throughout Southern California.  After a decade, the chassis and coachwork were reunited.

The Franay Bentley made its debut at the 1991 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where it was exhibited in the Post-War European Custom Coachworks Class where it readily earned a Best in Class and won the coveted French Cup.  It is published that the Franay Bentley nearly earned the Best of Show award, missing the title by 1/10^th of a point.

Mr. Wales campaigned the Bentely around the world at the most prestigious concours events, accumulating over 50 major awards.  Importantly, The Franay Bentley also won the Best of Show award at the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club Annual Meeting in 1991 and then in 1999 earned the Top Senior Award of the Royce Memorial Trophy for the Best of Prior Best of Show Award.  This Bentley has been featured on numerous TV programs, publications and even the distinguished Franklin Mint produced a 1:24^th scale model of this Franay Bentley.

DESCRIPTION:  The livery of the Franay is black with a mirror quality finish rarely seen.  The sumptuous body design is highly sculptured, featuring fully skirted front and rear fenders and ample curlicue chrome accents making for an outrageously sexy and opulent presentation.  It is obvious that Monsieur Gudol intentions for this Bentley were indeed fulfilled, this is one of the most unforgettable cars in the world and a true concours winner.  The beautifully chromed split windscreen flows into the cowl and is an integral part of its design.  Unusually, the black canvas convertible top is a desirable three-position cabriolet design with twin oval rear windows.  Erecting or lowering the convertible top can be fulfilled in about one minute by two careful stewards.  It is rare that one finds that a car looks as good (if not more menacing) with the convertible top up versus down.  The twin spotlights blend into the entirety of the design as well as the triple driving and fog lights.

The paint, chrome and stainless-steel trim are all in superb condition with only very minimal signs of use, belying the 34 years since its restoration.  The Franay Bentley can be exhibited at any important concours event worldwide and earn Best in Class and most likely Best of Show.

The stunning interior features beautiful burgundy leather complemented with delicate burgundy frog skins sourced from the Philippines and Haiti.  The Burgundy Wilton wool carpeting is in as-new condition.  The instrumentation is complete with a built-in integrated compass and a rare gradient gauge.  The remaining instruments are the more familiar Smiths gauges, and the odometer reflects its original 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers).  Behind the front seat is a sideways single jump seat that is flanked with built in cabinets containing crystal decanters, silver flasks, shot glasses and stemware, as well as a clock.  We like to imagine that the seat was for your private bartender and the clock to identify the five o’clock cocktail hour!

As one would expect, the venerable 4.5 liter straight six-cylinder engine, the four-speed manual transmission and the entirety of the drivetrain and chassis has been meticulously restored.  Frankly, the restoration quality of the chassis and drivetrain is likely better than from the Bentley Motors factory when it was new.  The engine is absolutely silent, reinforcing Bentleys tagline of being the Silent Sportscar.  The finishes are largely in gloss black contrasted with white cadmium plating.  The driving experience is incredible as you peer over the shapely hood and fenders. The suspension is silent and the car is devoid of any rattles or unwanted noises.  Overall, mechanically, the Franay Bentley is a masterpiece.

The Franay Bentley comes complete with five storage bins of history, documentation, trophies and awards, as well as many accessories including matching frog skin ladies shoes and purse and more.

Want to know more?  For more information and details, please call or text Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com.  Classic Promenade always offers a wide assortment of important Bentley and Rolls-Royce motorcars at our Phoenix showroom.  We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections, and we help coordinate shipping worldwide.