The Mark V was Rolls-Royce’s second Bentley model. Released in 1939, it had much in common to Rolls’ models, including a new-generation straight-6 engine. The engine displaced 4.3 L (4257 cc/259 in³) with a 3.5 in (88.9 mm) bore and 4.5 in (114.3 mm) stroke.

A lightweight and aerodynamic Corniche model was planned, but the outbreak of World War II halted production with just a single example completed. This car had a body designed by Georges Paulin and built by Pourtout of Paris. It is currently being restored by the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust in Derby.

Beginning in March, 1936, a 4¼ Litre version of the car was offered as replacement for the 3½ Litre, in order to offset the increasing weight of coachwork and maintain the car’s sporting image in the face of stiff competition. The engine was bored to 3½ in (88.9 mm) for a total of 4.3 L (4257 cc/259 in³). From 1938 the MR and MX series cars featured Marles steering and an overdrive gearbox. The model was replaced in 1939 by the MkV.

1234 4¼ Litre cars were built, with Park Ward remaining the most popular coachbuilder. Many cars were bodied in steel rather than the previous, more expensive, aluminium over ash frame construction.

A Drophead 4¼ Litre was featured as James Bond’s car in the 1983 movie Never Say Never Again

The 3½ Litre (and later 4¼ Litre) was presented to the public in September 1933, shortly after the death of Henry Royce, and was the first new Bentley model following Rolls-Royce’s acquisition of the Bentley brand in 1931. This era of Bentley models are also known as “Derby Bentleys” because they were built in the Rolls-Royce factory located in Derby, England.