|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
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.
1959 Bentley S1 Continental |
|
| Year | 1959 |
| Make | Bentley |
| Model | S1 Continental |
| Body Style | Drop Head Coupe |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Body / Chassis | Steel body on box-section steel frame |
| Production Years for Series | 1955 - 1959 |
| Coach Work | Park Ward & Co. |
| Combined MPG | 0.00 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | V |
| 90-degree | |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Hydraulic valve lifters | |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 6230.00 cc | 380.2 cu in. | 6.2 L. |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Horsepower | 200.00 HP (147.2 KW) |
| HP / Liter | 32.3 BHP / Liter |
| Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 |
| Main Bearings | 5 |
| Engine Electronics | 12-volt electrical system |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Petrol |
| Fuel Feed | Carburetor |
| 2 SU Diaphragm-type carburetors | |
| Block | Aluminum |
| Head | Aluminum |
| Standard Transmission | |
| Gears | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Final Drive | 3.42:1 |
| View more photographs |
| Similar Automakers |
| Add Review |
| Other models by Bentley |
| View Specifications |
 |
| Vehicle Ratings |
| Rate the Vehicle |
| Add Review |
| Articles and Event Coverage |
| Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance |
| Additional Resources and Links |
| Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Official Website |
| Recent Vehicle News | ||
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Conceptcarz.com
| Site Map
| Contact
| Terms Of Use | Links | RSS
| Top
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com