4.25L Derby vs 4.5L MkVI

[bbshriver]

I've been longing after a 4.25 Derby for a while, though generally also wanted a pre-war car.
I had the opportunity to drive a 3.5L DHC at the RROC national meet in 2024, but it was not a very extensive drive, though I really liked the car as far as I could tell.

Unfortunately, the Derby cars tend to be a ways out of my price range at the moment, and it might be 5-10 years before the opportunity can be realized, if even then.

I started to open myself up to the possibility of an early post-war car like a MkVI or R-Type. I am only interested in cars with a manual transmission, so S1 & newer are pretty much ruled out (my brother has an S1 that is a fine driving car)

At a recent event, I discovered a nice late 4.5L MkVI, that had extensive mechanical reconditioning about 12 years ago, receipts to the tune of $53,000. The current owner is finding he doesn't enjoy the car as much as he'd like to, due to age related issues, and is considering selling it, at a price in the general neighborhood of half that of a Derby car.

Being in the US, finding cars to drive and compare is pretty difficult, so being able to compare these kind of cars back to back really isn't an option. I haven't driven the MkVI yet, and of course have never driven a steel bodied 4.25 Derby either so I mostly go by what I can find in comparisons and videos etc.

From my understanding, both cars have a theoretical top speed around 100mph, and both drive very well for their time periods, but the MkVI shoudl be the objectively better driving car, with indepenent front suspension, and other refinements due to being the newer car.

I like the look of the Derby steel cars better, and I do still kind of prefer a proper pre-war car in my mind. I do want something I can drive, both locally, and on longer trips, and it seems like both cars will be among the best of their time period for that usage.

Just wondering if anyone has some real experience with both cars, as the (probably) better driving MkVI at a substantial discount, available locally from a known source is pretty tempting, but I worry I'll always still want the Derby.

[parkerharry]

That’s a great and very relatable post for anyone torn between classic elegance and practical drivability. The 4.25 Derby carries that unmistakable pre-war charm—handcrafted, graceful, and deeply nostalgic. On the other hand, the 4.5L MkVI feels like a bridge between eras: smoother handling, better suspension, and more comfort for long drives. It might not have the romantic appeal of the Derby, but it’s undeniably more usable if you plan to drive often. Given its condition and history of mechanical work, the MkVI sounds like a sensible option—especially if it lets you enjoy classic motoring now rather than waiting years for the right Derby. You’d still be part of that rich Bentley heritage while keeping your options open for the future.