1951 Bentley Petersen 6½-Litre ‘Dartmoor’ Coupe Special
Built by Devon-based Bob Petersen Engineering on a stretched 1951 Bentley Mark VI chassis, the Dartmoor takes its visual cues from the great French coachbuilt designs of the 1930s, particularly the flowing, covered-wheel bodywork associated with Figoni et Falaschi and Saoutchik on Talbot-Lago and Delahaye platforms.
The aluminum coachwork carries that influence through its full-skirted fenders, elongated proportions, and Art Deco detailing inside and out. The Bentley chassis has been extended to an 11-foot wheelbase, with additional bracing and a lowered rear suspension setup, and rides on 7.00×21-inch wire wheels.
Power comes from a Rolls-Royce B81, a 6½-liter inline-eight developed during World War II for military and commercial applications. The B81’s 6,522cc displacement produces substantial torque, and in typical specification output ranged up to approximately 220 bhp depending on cylinder head and carburetor configuration.
The Dartmoor’s unit was originally configured for industrial use before conversion to run on unleaded gasoline, fed by four 1.5-inch SU carburetors. With larger valves, a bespoke camshaft, and revised pistons, the output is reported at 265 bhp. A high-ratio final drive handles cruising duties, while the three-speed manual gearbox manages the considerable torque output.
The Dartmoor made its public debut at the 2009 Goodwood Revival.
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