1958 Bentley S1 Continental Park Ward Two-Door Sports Saloon

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

The S1 Continental of 1955 featured the last 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 a new front suspension that had a semi-trailing wishbone and repositioned rear springs, which improved handling and softened the ride.

Numerous catalogued semi-custom and custom body styles were used to dress the S1 Continental, usually in lightweight all-aluminum, as would be expected of a performance model.

The car offered here is one of the rarest iterations; it is one of a believed 95 built by Park Ward of London to this striking coupe design. This design, which was originally created for the 1957 Paris show, was distinguished by its crisp, airy wraparound rear window, large rear quarter windows, narrow C-pillars, and the audacious flair of small tailfins. It is one of the most striking closed bodies fitted to the S1 Continental.

Built in March 1958 the car was sold through Jack Barclay Ltd to a Mr. P.G. Swiffen. Finished in its original Smoke green colour with green interior this matching numbers car is presented in what appears to be mostly untouched original condition giving the car a wonderful patina.

From looking through the extensive history file we can see that this example has been meticulously maintained from new with detailed service records until 1961. Along with records of maintenance work carried out on the car during the past 15 years. From the detailed history file we can ascertain that after a long period of standing the car was subject to some re-commissioning work, which included fitment of new inner sills.

Very rare and unique examples of the legendary Continental series in such unmolested condition are becoming increasingly hard to find. This example here boasts excellent history and originality, perfect for the astute collector to preserve or restore.