Highlights
- Beautiful Caribbean Blue coachwork
- Cream interior benefits from light recommissioning
- Only three owners from new, previous keeper for 40 years
The Appeal
The Bentley S1 (or Silver Cloud in Rolls-Royce guise) was the company’s first standard production – and last body-on-chassis – model after World War Two. The updated S2 appeared in 1959, sporting a 6.2-litre version of Rolls-Royce’s robust L series V8. As befitted its class, the model boasted a host of power-assisted driving aids aimed to please chauffeurs and owner-drivers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Today the model offers just the right balance of Old World charm set alongside those driver aids; power steering and servo’d brakes, making it easy enough to live with while retaining that ‘vintage years’ feel.
In this classic colour combination of Caribbean Blue over cream leather, the Bentley makes a for a stately yet still fairly discreet tourer in the grand manner.
The History and Paperwork
- Recent service and inner wheel arch replacement
- Invoices from local specialists
The Bentley has had a very recent mechanical check-over and service, which included all fluids and filters changed. In the bodywork, one of the inner wheel arches was found to be heavily corroded and the metalwork replaced and refinished.
Although there is no paperwork for the saloon’s earlier life, it is reported to have been well cared for. For more than 40 years, the Bentley was part of a wedding hire company’s collection of cars and was maintained and looked after in-house.
The Interior
- All leather reconnollised
- New carpets to cabin and boot area
- All interior woodwork removed and renovated, and French polished
The Bentley’s cabin has been lightly renovated within the past couple of years, freshening it’s appearance, while maintaining its vintage appeal and gentle patina. The seats have been reconnollised, and the woodwork was taken out, cleaned, and expertly French polished. The walnut trim retains a subtle grain and a warm colour.
All the instruments, switches and controls are original – and present and correct. They have a gently ‘handled’ appearance, but remain tidy. The interior chrome is bright and smooth, and the rear picnic tables – very neat and always a charming extra on these big saloons – operate smoothly. The headlining is taut and the carpets are new throughout the cabin and boot area.
The Exterior
- Presented in beautiful metallic Caribbean Blue
- All panels straight
- Excellent chrome is a standout feature of the car
- Hand-painted coachlines
This Bentley looks to be in very good shape. The metallic Caribbean blue paintwork is smooth and even across the car, showing an excellent finish and deep gloss all round. The contrasting red coachlines are hand painted – a nice touch. There are one or two small bubbles under the paintwork, but the overall effect is very pleasing. Panels are smooth, with no ripples in the metal along the flanks. The big heavy doors open and close smoothly and shut lines are consistently narrow.
The chromework is a standout feature of the car – and there’s a lot of it. The finish on the huge grill and bumpers is excellent, showing an magnificent shine with no pitting or discolouration around edges and joins. Window frames and light surrounds are also good. All are straight and fit snugly to the bodywork.
The Mechanics
- Solid underneath
- Good tyres all round
- Tidy engine.
- Recent fluids and filters service
Under the twin engine covers, the engine looks tidy in a workmanlike manner. It won’t win any concourse awards, but everything looks to be present and functioning. Hoses are mostly very good and the wiring and electrical connections are tidy. The metal around the engine bay, bulkhead, inner wings and covers are sound.
The underside of the car shows the weathering of the years, but suspension and steering parts appear robust and up to their task.
Summary
Standard Rolls-Royce and Bentley saloons of this period are not sensationalist in terms of their performance or values, but they have a quiet, long-term appeal and a big following. Their mechanical upkeep is well within the scope of the owner-enthusiast, and their charm makes them great – and comfortable – companions on days out or tours alike. What’s more, you can easily enjoy them with friends or family. If you’ve never tried one, you ought to.
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.
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.
