1956 Bentley S1

The Bentley S1 Standard Steel Saloon finally replaced the R-Type which had been in production, with modifications, for nearly ten years since 1946. Gone were the traditional upright pre-war looks as in came a very sleek integrated body built out of alloy. A major improvement on its predecessor offering seating for five adults, three extra inches in the wheelbase, more headroom, and an even bigger boot space. The ride was improved by softer suspension, and braking was more efficient which helped to counter the increase in power and engine capacity (4887cc), and this extra power was directed through a four-speed automatic gearbox which itself introduced the ability to select individual ratios if desired. Bentleys outsold their Rolls-Royce counterparts, so these more numerous 'Winged B' models offer better value than their 'Sprit of Ecstasy' cousins - which in reality were very similar. In production from 1955 until 1959, in which time only 3,072 examples were manufactured, these elegant cars benefitted from the legendary engineering standards of the day, and offered a glimpse of opulence and style.

Presented here is a 1956 model, chassis number: B134LBA, in the lovely, fresh, 'Cote d'Azure' colour combination of gleaming White with White Leather and Walnut veneers. The paintwork is described by the vendor as being "excellent' and its straight-six engine and gearbox are said to perform very well. The car comes from diligent ownership where it was maintained and garaged professionally. The level of preservation and light patina give this car a real sense of occasion. Finding similar such examples of these appreciating grand Bentleys is becoming much harder. This is the time to buy a good one and start appreciating what represents a relative bargain in terms of this prestigious marque's back-catalogue.