1956 Bentley S1 Continental Cabriolet

The Bentley S Type or S1, as it was more commonly known, was produced from 1955 through 1959, during which time 432 examples were Continentals that featured the 4,887cc engine with the six-port cylinder head and other performance enhancements. Bentley claimed that the S1 Continental was the 'fastest four-seater in the world,' and many examples were fitted with custom bodies by notable coachbuilders such as Park Ward and H.J. Mulliner. This S1 Continental is unique in having been bodied by the Swiss firm of Graber for the 1956 Geneva Motor Show. After many years, its current owner has recently carried out its restoration, and the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance was the car's first showing anywhere in the world.

This was the only Bentley S1 Continental Convertible bodied by an independent coachbuilder rather than the Park Ward Division of Rolls-Royce. This one-off Graber-bodied example does bear some resemblance to that firm's efforts on two standard S-1 chassis and one Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, but is unique unto itself, perhaps because it was intended for the Geneva Auto Show. It remained in Europe for some time, unfortunately becoming quite corroded during that period. It was brought to the United States and was disassembled for restoration with many parts damaged or lost while it remained in that state for many years. It was finally brought to its present state for the current owner.

This car was the subject of some very trying litigation from 1998 to 2012, which resulted in the chassis, bare body shell and engine remaining in the possession of a secured party as collateral for a debt, with the body components, interior and chrome trim parts evidently nonexistent. Fortunately, the missing components were found in 2012, enabling the restoration of this straight, undamaged, albeit weary thoroughbred to be correctly carried out.