Discover the Bentley Peterson Dartmore Coupe, a unique 2009 creation inspired by 1930s design and built on a 1950 Bentley Mark 6 chassis. Featuring a rare 6.5L Rolls-Royce straight-eight engine, power steering, and distinctive art deco styling, this car blends classic elegance with modern usability. Explore its design, engineering, and driving experience in London.
During a visit to Joe Mari in London, a remarkable car caught attention — the Bentley Peterson Dartmore Coupe. This car is not just a vehicle but a rolling piece of art inspired by the 1930s, blending classic design with modern engineering. Built in 2009 by Bob Peterson, it is based on a 1950 Bentley Mark 6 chassis but stands out with its unique styling and features.
The Bentley Peterson Dartmore Coupe is a wide, imposing car painted in Oxford Blue, a dark and elegant shade of blue. Its front is dominated by a large chrome grille and distinctive headlights, complemented by 20-inch Blockley wheels that are enclosed and resemble winter tires but are not.
The rear of the car features tiny tail lights and a spare wheel where the trunk would typically be, indicating no trunk space. The exhaust and Bentley badge are also prominently displayed at the back.
Opening the hood reveals a work of art with chrome and gold detailing rarely seen on modern cars. The car houses a 6.5-liter Rolls-Royce straight-eight engine, which replaced the original Bentley engine from the Mark 6. Interestingly, the engine bears the Bentley name despite being a Rolls-Royce design, reflecting the historical ownership of Bentley by Rolls-Royce until the Volkswagen Group acquisition.
This engine was developed towards the end of World War II for military and commercial purposes, making it a significant piece of automotive history.
The car features suicide doors with unique leather straps holding them back, adding to its vintage charm. Inside, the luggage space is custom-designed with matching luggage, emphasizing the car's bespoke nature.
The dashboard is adorned with chrome details and includes a fixed key system instead of a traditional removable key. The steering wheel is equipped with power steering, a rare feature for cars from the 1950s, enhancing drivability.
Pedals include a footrest, clutch, brake, and gas, with a long handbrake and a unique reverse gear mechanism. The rearview mirror is tiny, and visibility is limited, but the overall interior exudes classic elegance.
Starting the car is done via a button, a modern touch to this classic design. During a drive in London, Franco, the driver, highlighted the car's uniqueness and the attention it garners on the road. He praised its manual gearbox, power, and the inclusion of power steering, which makes handling the large car and its big wheels much easier, especially when parking.
Power steering was not common in 1951, but its inclusion in this car was essential due to its size and wheel dimensions, making it more user-friendly and less cumbersome to drive.
The Bentley Peterson Dartmore Coupe is a fascinating blend of art deco design, historical engineering, and modern usability. Its unique features, from the Rolls-Royce engine to the power steering and bespoke interior, make it a standout vehicle that captures the imagination of car enthusiasts and collectors alike. This forgotten Bentley is not just a car but a testament to automotive craftsmanship and history.
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Experience the charm and power of a bygone era with the Bentley Peterson Dartmore Coupe, a true masterpiece on wheels.
