1956 Bentley S1 Continental Park Ward Two-Door Sports Saloon

The 'Continental' name evokes high-speed travel over long distances in the lap of luxury and fittingly, that is exactly the experience that Bentley's Continental models provided to the favoured few during the 1950s.

The 1955 S1 Continental proved to be the last application of Bentley's long-lived six-cylinder engine, which, being a Rolls-Royce design was smooth and silent but also appropriately powerful. An exceptionally rigid welded box section chassis was mounted on redesigned front suspension that introduced semi-trailing wishbones and repositioned rear springs, improving handling and softening the ride.

A number of catalogued semi-custom and fully bespoke body styles were offered to clothe the S1 Continental, usually in lightweight all-aluminum, as might be expected in a performance model where weight was crucial.

The car offered here is one of the rarest iterations being one of, a believed 66, built by Park Ward of London in this striking coupé form. This design, which was originally created for the 1957 Paris show, was distinguished by its crisp, airy wraparound rear window, large rear quarter windows and narrow C-pillars, and today is regarded as one of the most striking closed bodies fitted to the S1 Continental.

This elegant 1956 Bentley S1 Continental is an automatic fitted with the factory option of power steering from new and is finished in an unusual Pewter Green Metallic with contrasting dark green leather upholstery. This rare car has had a busy but cherished life from new and a letter from the Rolls-Royce Motor Company in the comprehensive history file confirms that in 1964, at a mileage of 71,000, both the engine and gearbox were replaced for brand new units of the correct and original type.

The same file confirms that the car was sold to the USA in 1968 and was exported to Holyoke, Massachusetts - where it was to remain until 1988. At this point, it was returned to the UK and subjected to a lavish and very comprehensive renovation by Paddon Brothers of London. This full and complete restoration included the fitting of air-conditioning as well as a modern stereo system. They also reprofiled the rear wings at the same time giving the car a very smart appearance and a silhouette that is probably unique.

Since that time the car has been a part of several significant private collections, including noted Bentley collector Terry Lister, and today is ready to be enjoyed once more. It now has the correct size of whitewall radial tyres recently fitted and the overall car exudes quality and a lovely mature patina.

Highly collectable, very rare, deliciously elegant and priced to sell.