1958 Bentley S1
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***Images supplied by vendor***
HIGHLIGHTS
• Lovely restored order
• Unusual colour scheme
• Lots of recent expenditure
• Straight-six model
• All new whitewall tyres
• All new whitewall tyres
THE APPEAL
Introduced in 1955, the S1 – or simply Bentley S at launch - saw a return to Bentley providing cars with standardised bodywork rather than specific coachbuilder commissions, allowing the company more control over the cars leaving the Crewe factory and helping keep prices more affordable, though in Bentley parlance “affordable” certainly didn’t mean cheap.
It was essentially a badge-engineered Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. And no, that’s not us being cruel, because both cars enjoyed the grace of a beautiful full-width body styled by the company’s chief designer, John Blatchley.
It was a graceful and elegant style, and looked more harmonious with the less fussy Bentley frontal styling – a fact reflected in the sales figures, for although the Rolls was the more recognisable car, it was the Bentley that was, in fact, the best-seller.
They were more delicate on the road than their bulk suggested, too, with power steering and a surprisingly agile chassis making light work of the 4.9-litre straight six upfront – until it was replaced by the Rolls-Royce V8 in 1959.
This is an original specification six-cylinder car that has seen a recent respray in its original rather unusual colour scheme of Satin over Maroon.
It has recently had a lot of work carried out by an enthusiast owner and is presented in stunning condition.
It has recently had a lot of work carried out by an enthusiast owner and is presented in stunning condition.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
• UK V5C
• Well-documented maintenance and history file
• Over £9,000 spent in past year
• Original handbooks and brochures
• Tax and MOT exempt
Bentley Commission Number B428 was originally supplied by Kennings of Mayfair bearing the registration number BS1, but was exported to the USA before DVLA records of such exports were kept, so at the latest the mid-1980s.
There it stayed until a couple of years ago, when it was repatriated by the previous owner and allocated a plate by the DVLA – BBM 791A.
It comes with a selection of original brochures and handbooks, plus both original tool kits and two keys.
There are also several invoices totalling over £9,000 in parts alone since July 2021, attributable to the existing keeper, who has maintained the car with cost no object and had it serviced twice within a year of ownership.
THE INTERIOR
• Opulent orchid leather with maroon piping
• Red woollen carpets
• Colour-coded steering wheel
• Gentle patina
The interior of the Bentley is finished in an unusual orchid coloured leather and piped in dark red edging.
The colour scheme is offset by a matching red steering wheel and red wool overmats - it's an unusual combination but one that is unarguably luxurious.
Everything is in fine order, including the wooden veneers and all of the dials (except the clock). It's a grand and comfortable cabin in which to spend time and is very well presented with the gentlest of patinas.
THE EXTERIOR
• Two-tone satin over maroon
• Fairly recent respray
• Excellent panel and paint finish
• Great chrome
One thing that's really striking about this car is its colour scheme - the lower half is finished in a fairly conventional maroon but the upper body work is a highly unusual rose gold colour known within Bentley as ‘Satin’.
It's the exact same colour scheme in which the car left the factory, but it has recently had a complete respray with a modern high-quality paint finish, offset by very smart chromework all round.
The exterior condition can only be described as excellent, while the underside also appears to be very good.
The exterior condition can only be described as excellent, while the underside also appears to be very good.
THE MECHANICS
• 4.9-litre straight-six
• Alternator conversion
• New starter motor
• Suspension and brake overhaul
The Bentley’s straight-six engine is derived from that of the Continental models and is extremely powerful and smooth.
It starts and performs perfectly, but this comes as no surprise when you look at the recent expenditure.
As well as being serviced twice, the car has had a whole host of new parts - new spark plugs, thermostat, starter motor, new ignition components, leads and a battery all ensure it drives as well as it possibly can. The vendor also paid to have the original dynamo converted to an alternator.
The steering and brakes haven't gone without attention either - it's got new power steering rams, front springs and brake discs.
A new exhaust system has also been fitted within the past 12 months.
A new exhaust system has also been fitted within the past 12 months.
SUMMARY
This is a really grand old Bentley that has seen some fastidious maintenance over the past year, which should provide huge peace of mind to its next keeper.
Not only is it in fine condition both inside and out - and in very well-maintained mechanical order - but it is also an extremely unusual interpretation of the S1 thanks to the interior and exterior colour schemes - you're unlikely to see another.
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.
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 1958
- Make Bentley
- Model S1
- Colour Maroon
- Odometer 55,489 Miles
- Engine size 4887
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
23
bids
- pe•••• £25,000 23/11/22
- tw•••• £24,999 23/11/22
- tw•••• £24,750 23/11/22
- pe•••• £24,500 23/11/22
- tw•••• £24,250 23/11/22
- pe•••• £24,000 23/11/22
- tw•••• £23,750 23/11/22
- pe•••• £23,500 23/11/22
- tw•••• £23,250 23/11/22
- pe•••• £23,000 22/11/22
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|---|---|
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