1957 Bentley S1 with power steering SOLD

Registration Number: 285 XVW
Chassis Number: B187EK
Odometer reading: 94, 384

A wonderfully original and highly appealing example of Bentley's elegant post-war standard steel saloon, this 1957 Bentley S1 is offered from careful ownership and presents as an unusually honest motor car, retaining a remarkable degree of originality. Subject only to a particularly attractive respray in silver over very dark velvet green, the car otherwise remains reassuringly unrestored, preserving the character, craftsmanship and integrity so often lost to excessive refurbishment.

Introduced in 1955 as the successor to the R-Type, the Bentley S1 shared its graceful coachwork with the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, offering understated luxury, refined engineering and superb road manners. Powered by Bentley's smooth and dependable 4. 9-litre six-cylinder engine, allied to automatic transmission, the S1 delivered effortless touring capability in the finest grand manner, while maintaining Bentley's tradition of discreet performance.

This example is especially notable for its originality, including its believed genuine mileage, and for having clearly benefitted from conscientious and sympathetic custodianship throughout its life. The current vendor is understood to be only the second owner, a rare and significant distinction that speaks to the quality and desirability of the car. Under such stewardship, it has evidently been cherished and well cared for, with a history file accompanying the motor car confirming the considerable attention and maintenance lavished upon it over the years.

The handsome silver over black finish suits the S1's restrained yet imposing lines admirably, enhancing the timeless elegance of one of Crewe's most dignified designs. Increasingly prized for their usability, quality and understated presence, highly original Bentley S1s are becoming ever harder to find, particularly those with such modest ownership, documented history and preserved condition.

A rare opportunity to acquire a notably genuine and well-maintained Bentley S1, this fine saloon represents post-war British luxury motoring at its most authentic and distinguished.

condition report

The car starts, runs, idles and drives, and it comes to a stop. given its minimal use over the past few years, we would recommend a degree of general recommissioning. The powered steering received attention in 2020, including a new steering arm and new king pins, with the work carried out by Wilton‑Morgan. prior to this, the gearbox was stripped rebuilt in 2003 at 89, 282 miles. There are MOT reciepts dating to 1988 within the history file.

the interior presents well overall with signs of age present but no major issue, rips or tears, the bodywork presents well, the dark velvet green over silver presents well with previous care evident, the brightwork is in good condition with only some areas of over polishing. we would recommend that any prospective buyers view to satisfy themselves as to condition.

The car was first registered to mr E. C. Gray and carried the registration 5 ECG until 2022. documentation on file indicates that it was in the care of a storage firm from 1977 until 1998, during which time it appears to have been consistently maintained. Mr Gray then resumed his stewardship of the car from the early 2000s through to 2022.