The Bentley Mark V was Rolls-Royce's second Bentley model. Intended for announcement at the Earl's Court Motor Show set down for late October 1939[1] it had much in common with its predecessor. War was declared on 3 September 1939 and a few days later Bentley announced it had ceased production of civilian items.
The Mark V was sold only as a bare chassis to be fitted with a body from an owner's own choice of coachbuilder. It proved to be the last Derby Bentley; after the war production moved to Crewe.
Chassis
It was a new design with very deep side rails to reduce flexing and to cope with the changed loads resulting from a totally redesigned independent front suspension in place of the beam axle.
Engine
Essentially the same as the Bentley 4¼ which it replaced, but with the number of timing gears reduced. See: The Rolls-Royce Motor-Car, Anthony Bird and Ian Hallows, B. T. Batsford, London 1972 page 282. Without a beam axle the engine could be mounted further forward and particular care was taken to mount it so as to minimise noise and vibration to the passengers.