1956 Bentley S1 Saloon - Sold for an undisclosed sum

Background:

Bentley announced their standard steel saloon - originally the S, retrospectively known as the S1 - at the end of April 1955 adding the model to the Continental range. The S series replaced the R Type, Bentley’s first post-war model and was built in Crewe as a five- or six-seater saloon.

The new car’s handsome lines were totally different to the older model, retaining only the traditional Bentley radiator grille and the S featured a raft of improvements over its predecessor. It was longer and lower, without compromising interior room, featured softer suspension with electrically-controlled rear dampers, had lighter steering and improved braking, and the twin-SU fed straight-six engine’s capacity was increased to 4.9-litres - matching the Continental - mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox.

This was the last Bentley to be built on a separate chassis before unitary construction entered the marque’s story with the Silver Shadow-derived T series. The S series bodies were manufactured in pressed steel with stressed skin construction and featured aluminium doors, bonnet and boot-lid.

A contemporary road test by The Motor achieved a top speed of 103mph, with 0-60 achieved in 13.1 seconds, so the S series is more than capable of holding its own in modern traffic, 70 years after its introduction.

The car:

This handsome S1 was first registered on 6th September 1956. Finished in Black Pearl over Shell Grey, with a handsome red coachline, the paint is complete corner to corner, leaving almost no metal exposed, but the overall standard of the paint really is only 5/10. The Black Pearl elements to the bonnet, roof and boot are bubbling significantly in places.

The sills have seen remedial repair work to a certain standard, but the bottom two inches of the rear doors could be made to look a lot better. The wheel trims are present on all four corners, but clearly show degradation and would need to be re-chromed. There is work to do to bring this car to a higher standard, as reflected in its value today, though conceivably, one could run this car as-is.

The interior was retrimmed around the year 2000 in a high-quality green leather and this has stood the test of time well. The headlining is in good order, but the interior wood - whilst all present and complete - would benefit from a professional polish and finish. The main areas of carpet in the cabin and boot have been replaced, but not those on the bottom of the door cards, or the cowling around the rear bench seat.

The vendor describes this Bentley as ‘lumpy, but functioning. No doubt this is partly due to the car having seen very little use in recent years. The brakes could be cleverer, the fast idle could be smoother, but she starts happily, engages gear, and moves without resistance. The engine mounts might do a better task of helping it reach ‘silkiness’, and there’s a slight judder evident at low speeds in reverse gear’. 

The gearbox was rebuilt in 1981 and at the same time the engine was stripped, re-sleeved and new pistons were fitted, along with new inlet and exhaust valves, while the crankshaft and twin SU carbs were also overhauled. A new exhaust was also fitted, which remains remarkably sound. There is no doubt, however that the car would benefit greatly from a thorough service and fresh tune-up.

This car is sold with a modest history file including some historical invoices, some notes from previous keepers, and very pleasingly, a wonderful small hand-written notebook from a very diligent owner documenting all journeys made, any service and maintenance work undertaken, and other recollections from the period of 1981–2004. A great little piece of the car’s history jigsaw and a delight to read.

This elegant S1 is not a concours contender. It is, however, complete and running and represents a great opportunity to input some love, know-how and elbow grease to produce a very pleasing and comfortable ‘50s Saloon, with which to enjoy touring and events, with ample space and comfort for four passengers.

Summary:

A superb opportunity to enter Bentley ownership at a bargain price with this handsome S1. It’s time for this gem to be woken from its slumbers and brought back to its very finest.

Location: North Yorkshire

Seller: Trade

Photos: Vendor supplied