1956 Bentley S1 Saloon by H J Mulliner
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Highlights
- Believed to be one of just 27 H.J.Mulliner coachbuilt four-door saloons
- Recent overhaul of the braking system, totalling £6,000
- Sharp styling and a sumptuous interior
The Appeal
A standard Bentley S1 was a huge investment for anyone to make when this car was purchased in 1956. But add to this the cost of having a hand-built body crafted by one of the finest coachbuilders in the land, and this car stands out as an object of extreme luxury.
This four-door body was designed by Mulliner’s Herbert Nye and it is believed that only 27 examples were fitted to the ‘Series A’ S1 chassis. The sweeping lines remain suave and sharp to this day, and the car has an imposing yet still undeniably sporting presence on the road.
It has been the subject of recent mechanical work by the present owner including a professional overhaul of the braking system in November 2022. This will give its next owner the peace of mind to enjoy the car to its full.
We’re sure that the enviable combination of power, luxury and graceful styling will suit any discerning collector. This is a truly magnificent motorcar which deserves to be driven.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 30th December 1956
- Ordered new by Jackson the Tailors in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Reportedly owned by prominent Rolls-Royce and Bentley historians
- Road Tax and MOT exempt
- UK V5C
- Non-transferable registration number
- Five former keepers
- Some limited service history on file
- Photocopies of handwritten service records
- The car has reportedly been abroad for some time
- Original build sheets on file
The Interior
- Recently detailed
- New headlining fitted
- Retrimmed front seats
The interior of any Bentley is a sumptuous combination of comfort, luxury and fine craftsmanship, and this S1 is no exception. It is a beautifully made combination of high quality leather, finely figured veneer and deep pile carpets.
The seats are large and well padded, offering plenty of room and just the right support. They are upholstered in beautiful beige leather, which is very well preserved throughout. The vendor surmises that the front seats have been reupholstered at some point, due to their very subtle difference in colour. There are a few very light creases from use, but overall the leather remains in superb order.
A steering column mounted gear lever allows plenty of legroom for the front passengers, and the driver is presented with a reassuringly large Bakelite steering wheel. The dashboard is well stocked with instruments and switches, and covered in beautifully applied bur walnut veneers. And sitting proudly in the centre is a radio, a true sign of luxury in the 1950s. Although the glove box lock is not fitted it does come with the car
The door cappings are in matching veneer, although they could benefit from being re-polished to bring them up to a high standard, and the door cards match the leather seating. Veneered picnic tables are also provided for passengers in the rear.
The carpets are very well finished, edge-bound in leather, and the headlining is said to have been recently fitted. It remains clean and secure.
To the rear, the sizeable boot is fully carpeted and holds a full size spare wheel with its own matching cover.
The Exterior
- Rare H J Mulliner coachbuilt body, designed by Herbert Nye
- Flag pole fitment behind winged ‘B’ mascot
- New set of four Avon tyres fitted in June 2022
With its superb Mulliner-built body, this Bentley makes quite the impression as it slides into view. The long bonnet sits behind that unmistakable Bentley radiator grille, surmounted by a winged ‘B’ mascot. This features the unusual addition of a mounting point for an ambassadorial flag.
Other interesting features include the semaphore trafficators specified by the original owner, as opposed to more conventional flashing indicators. These were somewhat outdated by 1956 but H J Mulliner was more than happy to oblige their customer, who specified that they be fitted to the body. And the sharply styled Mulliner coachwork still looks dashing even today, nearly seventy years on.
The car was commissioned with "private locks" this interesting feature means that (your chauffeur !) can only lock the car from the passenger side, no external lock is fitted to the drivers door.
The car was commissioned with "private locks" this interesting feature means that (your chauffeur !) can only lock the car from the passenger side, no external lock is fitted to the drivers door.
Smart maroon paintwork contrasts beautifully against the bright chrome. The paint is generally in very good condition, with a few small blemishes as you would expect to see on a car which has been used on the road. The chrome plating remains highly polished, with a few minor dents, such as on the rear bumper. There are also some small and unobtrusive dings in some of the body panels.
Underneath, the car is in very good condition for its age, with the usual amount of surface corrosion to be seen. But there is no significant damage that we should see. The car runs on steel wheels with colour-matched hubcaps, and a recently fitted matching set of Avon tyres.
The Mechanics
- 4,887cc straight-six engine
- Over £5,000 spent on brake overhaul and new engine/gearbox mounts
- Automatic transmission
Under the long, stately bonnet of this Bentley lies its smooth-running six-cylinder engine. Lifting either side of the bonnet reveals this 4.9-litre power plant, along with its array of ancillaries. We particularly like the original glass brake fluid reservoir, clearly showing some nice fresh fluid.
The car has been subject to extensive mechanical overhaul which has included refurbishing the entire braking system: renewed meter and wheel cylinders, new brake pipes and bleed nipples. The handbrake assembly has been rebuilt and adjusted, and the engine and gearbox mounts have been replaced. This work totalled over £5,700 and was completed in November 2022.
The engine bay appears to be clean and tidy and the car has evidently been well cared for under its present ownership.
Summary
In all, this magnificent Bentley is a superb choice for the discerning motorist. It is a rare coachbuilt example with beautifully stylish lines, an opulent interior and capable performance.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1956
- Make Bentley
- Model S1 Saloon by H J Mulliner
- Colour Maroon
- Odometer 83,667 Miles
- Engine size 4887
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Herne Bay
- Location Kent
- Country United Kingdom
30
bids
- Li•••• £41,500 12/04/23
- Li•••• £41,250 12/04/23
- St•••• £41,000 12/04/23
- Li•••• £40,750 12/04/23
- St•••• £40,500 12/04/23
- St•••• £40,250 12/04/23
- Sa•••• £40,000 12/04/23
- St•••• £39,999 12/04/23
- Sa•••• £39,750 12/04/23
- St•••• £39,500 12/04/23
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