Bentley Continental S-1, 1957 Continental S-1 Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

Overview

In 1955, a new Bentley, known as the S-Type, was launched using a 4.9 liter, straight six engine. The car continued through three generations, the S1, S2, and S3 - the later cars using an aluminum V8 engine, which is the forerunner of today's 6.75 liter, twin turbocharged V8 engine used in the current Bentley Arnage and the forthcoming Azure.

BC30LCH
This classic Bentley convertible was originally delivered to one of Bentley's best, and one of its most famous customers, Mr. Andre Embiricos, the Greek shipping magnate. The car was later sold to a German industrialist living in Switzerland, then to a Swiss-based American photographer. Next the car was shipped to the United States, where it was acquired in 1970 by Mr. Tom Mix, an automobile dealer who is the current owner. It has not been restored, except for repainting it in its original colors, with a new roof and front seat cushions. It has been driven more than 93,000 miles and is one of the finest examples of the S1.

The Bentley S1 was produced from 1955 through 1959 during which 3538 examples were created with 145 being outfitted with custom bodies. 431 examples were Bentley S1 Continentals. Thirty-five of the Bentley S1's sat atop a long wheelbase. Some of the notable coachbuilders who outfitted the S1's were Park Ward and H.J. Mulliner.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I and the Bentley S1 were nearly identical, except for different badging and radiators. Mechanically, they were identical. Under the hood was an F-head 4887 cc straight six Crewe engine with cast-iron cylinder block and aluminum alloy cylinder heads. A dual SU carburetor type HD6 was used from 1955 through 1957. From 1957 through 1959, a dual SU carburetor type HD8 was used. A four speed automatic gearbox was standard; however, a four-speed manual unit was available as optional equipment. Stopping power was provided by drum brakes. The vehicles were adorned in two-tone paintwork with the hood finished in the lower color.

Six months after the introduction of the S1, Bentley introduced the S1 Continental, a name that had also been used as early as 1952 on the R-Type sedan. The Continental versions featured a slightly tuned engine and other performance features. Bentley claimed the Continental as 'the fastest four-seater in the world'. The engines were modified by enlarging the bore which increased the displacement to 4.9 liters. With the standard automatic gearbox and the added weight of optional power steering and power windows, the increase in engine size was well received by Bentley customers. The steel-body was replaced with aluminum, thus reducing the overall weight of the vehicle.

Vehicle Spotlight