World War II and its various preliminary conflicts disrupted European automobile production for nearly a full decade. When the skies and land finally calmed in 1946, cars had been out of production for so long that no one really knew what new ones should look like. As a result, stylists and coachbuilders were willing to try basically any new idea and submitted various designs for public approval. Kent’s James Young offered up the “New Look,” an aptly named striking, ultra-streamlined saloon on the Bentley Mark VI chassis, with fully integrated fenders, rear fender “spats,” and little excess chrome trim. Only three two-door examples—design number C10M—were produced.

The car offered here, chassis number B495CD, was exhibited on James Young’s stand at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, where it caused a considerable sensation, and was also featured in many motoring magazines. After the show, it was delivered to Ronald Strauss, a partner in the British brokerage house Strauss, Turnbull & Company.

Later, in 1955, the Bentley was acquired by the noted racing driver and dealer Duncan Hamilton, who sold it to Thomas Whittle & Sons, a well-known manufacturer of fan belts in Warrington. Much of the present restoration was completed in 1985, after which it was used in British events for several years. Later it was acquired by noted American collector of coachbuilt Bentley and Rolls-Royce automobiles John Ellison Jr. of the Calumet Collection, in whose ownership the interior wood was polished and other extensive detailing and mechanical work performed. Recently it has been part of the collection of the renowned Petersen Automotive Museum from which it is now offered.

Fabulous details are prominent throughout, including front wing windows operated by small turn handles, as well as exquisitely designed rear quarter windows that swivel open for ventilation. The “sunshine roof” is present and functional, as original, but now operates manually rather than by electric motor. The door pockets accommodate sets of period beverage glasses and a flask. Additional wonderful touches include a Lucas driving light, original Bentley B70 headlamps, unusual low-mounted trafficators, and incredibly delicate, beautifully finished bumper guards. Sets of road and hand tools are also, of course, provided, along with Rolls-Royce Foundation documentation.

The “New Look” marks the most audacious postwar styling from James Young—the birth of a new era in streamlined design, courtesy of one of the United Kingdom’s foremost coachbuilders.