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1957 Bentley Continental S1

Rolls-Royce and Bentley supplied 'body-read' bare chassis up until World War II, with the frames they created featuring some of the era's most advanced suspension, brakes, and engines. The chassis was delivered to the coachbuilder of the buyer's choice where it received coachwork to their needs and specifications. The Coachbuilder most closely associated with Bentley was H.J. Mulliner.

Following World War II, Rolls-Royce introduced the Silver Dawn in 1946 and it would remain in production through 1952. Bentley's first post-war luxury car was the Mark VI 4-door standard steel sports saloon, produced from 1946 to 1962. The Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, introduced in 1949 and produced through 1955, was the company's first car to wear a factory-built body which it shared, along with its chassis, with the Bentley Mark VI until 1952. The Bentley R Type was the second series of post-war Bentley automobiles, introduced in 1952 and built through 1955 when the Bentley S (S1) arrived.

The high-performance and exclusive R-Type Continental fostered a reputation as a highly capable road car of supreme luxury, thanks in part to its aerodynamically designed aluminum coachwork paired with a modified version of the six-cylinder, 4.6-liter engine. After July 1954, engine displacement grew to 4.9-liters. At the time, it was the fastest four-seat car in production at the time.

The Mark VI incorporated an all-new 4.25-liter inline-six engine with overhead intake and side exhaust valves, commonly referred to as an F-head design. These were among the most reliable, durable and easiest to work on engines made by Bentley / Rolls-Royce. The R-Type had a 4.5-liter version with twin SU Type H6 carburetors paired with a four-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.

The Bentley S

In 1955 these models, except the Silver Wraith, were replaced by the Silver Cloud and S1 Bentley utilizing the same engine enlarged to 4.9 liters. The Silver Cloud and S1 Bentley were identical but for the radiator shell and nameplates.

The S1 gained more generously sized standard steel saloon bodies manufactured in pressed steel with stressed skin construction. Aluminum was used for the hood, trunk lid, and doors. The wheelbase was three inches longer at 123-inches and its length was nearly a foot longer (211.75 inches). The suspension became softer with electrically operated control of rear dampers, and the brakes and steering were improved. The engine continued to displace 4,887cc and it was paired with a standard four-speed automatic gearbox, with the ability to select individual ratios. In 1957, the chassis wheelbase grew to 127 inches.

The engine had a 3.75-inch bore and 4.5-inch stroke, with 6.6:1 compression, and twin SU carburetors. This would be one of the final models to use this engine which had first been used for the 1922 to 129 Rolls-Royce Twenty.

Production continued until 1959 when the Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 were introduced, which were basically identical except for a new V8 engine. The total production of the S1 was 3,027 including 145 with coachbuilt bodies. An additional 35 examples were built atop the long wheelbase with 12 of those wearing custom coachwork.

The Bentley S Continental

Like its predecessor, the Bentley S1 had a high-performance version known as the Continental. It was introduced six months after the introduction of the S1 and wore lightweight drophead coupe bodies created to special order by Freestone & Webb, Park Ward, James Young, and H.J. Mulliner & Company. A pre-production example was built for the Bentley factory by Pininfarina.

The S1 Continental wore aluminum coachwork, had a raised compression ratio, and a longer final drive.

Bentley Motors Ltd. built 431 S1 Continentals with 69 of those receiving Park Ward's Design Number 701 coachwork - a low-profile, four-light, two-door saloon with seating for four. Approximately 24 of these were originally built in left-hand drive configuration.

The Continental S1 Flying Spur (Design Number 7443) debuted in late 1955 wearing a design credited to George Moseley, chief designer at H.J. Mulliner. It is believed that sixteen examples were built in left-hand drive configuration by Mulliner.

The H.J. Mulliner Fastback Sports Saloon, Design No. 7400, was known as the 'Corniche II' and it differs from the R-Type Continental in its stretched lines, but continued to wear modest rear fenders and its sleek 'fastback' rear end.

33 examples of the left-hand drive Continental coupé were built by Park Ward.

by Dan Vaughan

Drophead Coupe

The 1957 Bentley Continental S-1 is one of 31 left-driver, Park Ward alloy bodied drophead coupes built between 1956 and 1959. This late example is equipped an upgraded engine with oversized valves and a larger carburetor. Other features included heavier rear axle shafts, dual master cylinders, power steering and a power operated convertible top. Interior features on this particular specimen include Radford type locking covers to the door cubbies, wide rear seat armrest with lockable lid, silver inlays to the wood faces, MPH/KPH scales to the speedometer, upgraded radio and search light to the trunk.

The car is powered by an in-line 6-cylinder, 298 cubic inch (4.9 liter) engine, developing 178 horsepower coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The chassis consists of front coil-springs and rear semi-elliptic leaf-spring suspension, with anti-roll bars; cam-and-roller steering, power hydraulic front and mechanical rear drum brakes. Top speed is listed at 120 miles per hour.


Chassis number: BC30LCH

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.

Drophead Coupe

When the S-Type Bentley replaced the R-Type, the high-end series of this great luxury car was once again the Continental. The S-Type (and the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud) received a new chassis with a wheelbase that was three inches longer (at 123 inches). The steering and suspension were redesigned, and the final-drive ratio was lowered. The Six-cylinder engine remained in use, but was given larger valves and a stronger cast-iron block. With custom-made aluminum bodies, the Bentley Continental S1 stood for luxury motoring at its finest. This car is one of 31 left-hand drive models produced. In 1957, the Park Ward-bodied convertible sold for $18,605.

Saloon by Freestone & Webb
Chassis number: 1B532EG
Engine number: BE 266

This 1957 Bentley S1 Saloon was delivered to coachbuilders Freestone & Webb on May 24th of 1957. The car was fitted with power-assisted steering and a four-speed automatic Turbo-Hydra-matic transmission. The work was commissioned by dealer, H.R. Owen Ltd.

There would be only 13 examples of the Freestone & Webb Saloons on a Bentley S1 chassis, a further eight examples are believed to have been fitted on the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud.

The first owner of this car was Mrs. M.Y. Herbert Jenkins who took delivery on January 15th of 1958. The present owner purchased the car in 1986 and had it sent to Florida. It would remain in his possession for the next two years. It was sold and later re-purchased by the present owner in 1999.

This car has been given a complete mechanical and body restoration. In 2004, it was given a bare-metal re-paint; the interior was re-trimmed in magnolia and cream with blue piping and the woodwork was refinished. The exterior is a two-tone blue paintwork that has all-fresh chrome.

This S1 Saloon has won its class at the Rolls-Royce national meet in Stevenson, Washington and it was invited to the 2008 Meadow Brook Hall Concours d'Elegance.

In 2008, this Bentley S-1 Freestone & Webb bodied Saloon was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA where it was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for $75,000 - $95,000. The lot was sold for $66,000, including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Sports Coupe by Park Ward & Co.

This Bentley S1 Continental Park War is one of just 33 left drive Park Ward S Continental Sport Coupes built between 1955 and 1959. This is perhaps one of six to wear the latest configuration of the series and was the 1957 Paris Salon Car. It is equipped with power windows, map pockets in the seat backs and a zippered document pouch in the headliner.

The car was originally delivered September 24, 1957, in Marseilles, France, and it spent the next half century in France. It was then acquired by Vantage Motorworks, in December 2007, through a Belgian dealer. The car was in entirely original, although shabby, condition.

A complete restoration, including a bare metal respray, mechanical restoration of the engine, gearbox and braking system was undertaken. Fresh show quality interior hides and veneers, as well as an upgraded cooling system completed the work. The car is considered to be quite elegant as seen in Alpine Grey over Black Garnet with parchment hides.

Drophead Coupe

This Bentley S1 Continental is a well-documented late specification specimen and one of just 31 left-hand drives built between 1955 and 1959. It was delivered in 1957 to Baroness Pannonica Rothschild de Koeningswater. Upon her demise in 1988, ownership of the car passed to her son, who kept it in storage until 1994 when he had it shipped to a UK specialist facility for a complete restoration. In 2001, upon its return to the United States, it was acquired by Vantage Motorworks, Inc., the Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists located in Miami. This fine high-speed performance is now complete with tools, a handbook and copious documentation of the fascinating life of the original owner.

Sports Coupe by Park Ward & Co.

This is a nicely documented, late specification example of 33 left-drives built in 1955-1959. In June of 1957, this sports Coupe was delivered tin Monte Carlo to the Greek Shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos and elegantly finished in Circassian Blue with Beige hides, as it is today.

The factory history record, which accompanies the automobile, shows that it was sold in April of 1961, to its second owner, a resident of Oxford, England.

In 1999, it was purchased by Vantage Motorworks in its original undamaged condition with 66,000 miles.

It was resold in 2003, to a Swiss gentleman who was to export the Bentley to Switzerland for restoration. Plans changed and the project was instead entrusted to a former Vantage Motorworks employee in Boca Raton, Florida, who sporadically worked on the automobile. In 2012, the present owner acquired the car and the attempted refurbishments were properly completed. Complete and correct tools, correctly ducted limousine specification air conditioning, and power steering completed the project and restored the high reliability offered by Bentley, which many consider the finest car in the world at the time.

Saloon by Hooper

This car has a Hooper coach-built saloon body, one of just nine with the Design No. 8497. This styling incorporated the new cutout spats introduced at the 1957 Earls Court Motor Show in London. The original owner was George Matthey of Johnson Matthey & Co. Ltd., which refined precious metals.

The present owner found the car at auction in 1994. It is debuting in 2014 after an eight-and-a-half year restoration.

Sports Coupe by Park Ward & Co.

The S1 Park Ward Continental Coupe is a unique, high performance car and is one of 33 left-drive examples built by coachbuilder Park Ward. It was intended to be larger and more generously sized than the previous R-Type models and was specifically manufactured for motoring at high speeds. Faster speed was enabled by a 3-inch longer wheelbase, increased engine capacity to a 4996 c.c. six-cylinder engine, the MC21C. It represents the end of independent chassis era and further adds to the uniqueness of the car. The body was modified in design and beautifully proportioned without reducing headroom and with an enlarged luggage boot for added comfort. The original color was Circassian Blue accompanied by beige hides which has remained to this day. There were four previous owners. The original restoration project was completed by the fourth owner in 2012. It is now part of a Bentley car collection in East Hampton, New York.

Drophead Coupe
Chassis number: BC3LCH
Engine number: BC3C

The aluminum bodied Bentley Continental had aerodynamic coachwork and contrasted greatly with the Bentley standard steel cars of the time. They both shared an identical chassis and engine, however the Continental had a 2.923 rear axle instead of the standard 3.42, allowing the six-cylinder, 4.9-liter engine to sustain long-distance, high-speed cruising with little effort.

Bentley produced 3,072 standard steel-bodied cars but just 431 examples of the S1 Continentals. Just 69 of those received Park Ward's Design No. 701 coachwork. It featured a low-profile, four-light, two-door saloon configuration with room for four. About 24 of these 69 cars were originally built in left-hand drive. In 1957, the model's suggested retail price including tax was a lofty £7,587 (approximately $21,000).

This particular example is a factory left-hand-drive Continental Park Ward Saloon was built to the specification of its first owner, Mr. H.G. Day. In mid-1957, he took delivery of the coupe, which was registered SYX 961 in England. Mr. Day enjoyed the Bentley in the UK for a short time before having it shipped to his home in Palo Alto, California. Mr. Day used the Bentley at both his California and Florida residences.

After Mr. Day's passing in 1994, the Park Ward Saloon was transferred to Mr. Day's nephew, a resident of Southern California. Soon after, the S1 was the subject of a bare-metal refinish in its current dark green, a change from the light shade of brown that it had worn since new. Likewise, the Connolly leather of the front seats was replaced, though the rear seat, door panels, armrests, and the interior wood veneers remain original and in fine condition.

In 2011, it received mechanical service, which included rebuilding of the carburetors.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback
Chassis number: BC96LBG
Engine number: BC95B

This Bentley S1 Continental Fastback Sports Saloon by H.J. Mulliner is one of only 22 left-hand-drive cars that were built to the Mulliner fastback sports saloon design. It is a relatively late-production example that benefits from the upgraded engine with larger valves and a larger carburetor.

This Bentley was delivered on April 18th of 1957, to its original owner William Brewster (Stonington), of Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Requested features included power steering, a steering column two inches longer than standard, fog lights with white bulbs, both summer and winter thermostats, reclining front seats, and dual horns. Requests were made to supply a Lucas electric rear windshield washer and a Blue Spot radio.

On April 27th of 1957, Mr. Brewster sold the car to its second owner, Gregory B. Smith. Mr. Smith retained the car for over two decades, selling it in October of 1977 to Samuel Ornstein of Edison, New Jersey. Richard Thomas of Parsimony, New Jersey, purchased the S1 Continental in 1993, subsequently passing it to Florida collector, Steven Wolf, from whom its purchase was eventually made by Orin Smith.

The car was restored to its previous Saffron over Sandstone livery during Mr. Ornstein's ownership. The car won Rolls-Royce Owners Club (RROC) National First Prizes in both 1979 and 2000. More recently, it was given an extensive and complete restoration to Pebble Beach Concours standards and finished in its currently silvery smoke green paintwork. Pale parchment leather covers the door panels and the seats, the cabinetry is done in polished inlaid burled walnut, and the carpeting is finished in Wilton green wool piped in parchment.

by Dan Vaughan

Drophead Coupe
Chassis number: BC91LBG

The Bentley S1 Continental was conceived to be an exclusively coachbuilt car. Accordingly, each of 432 S1 Continentals received coachwork from the few remaining coachbuilders that survived World War II. H.J. Mulliner, Hooper and James Young all built a variety of both open and closed bodies, but this drophead coupe is one of 31 built by Park Ward. Bentley records show that this car was delivered at the end of 1956 to Frederick Brewster of Connecticut. He was connected to the famous coachbuilding firm of Brewster & Co., and the family can trace its roots back to Elder William Brewster, who sailed on the Mayflower in 1620. Frederick's daughters inherited the car in 2012 and commissioned a full and complete restoration from Vantage Motorworks to its original specifications in Shell Grey over Black with Black top and Light Grey hides.

Drophead Coupe

This car was delivered new Harrison Eiteljorg on September 6, 1957. There were only 431 S1 Continental Park Wards built and only 31 were left-hand drives. Bentley claimed the Continental as 'the fastest four-seater in the world' with a top speed of 120 mph. It has an aluminum body and was built by coachbuilder Park Ward. Under the hood is an Fhead 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. A four speed automatic gearbox was standard; however, a four-speed manual unit was available as optional equipment. The vehicles were adorned in two-tone paintwork with the hood finished in the lower color.

This car is currently in the care of the son of the original owner.

Flying Spur Sports Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC8LCH

This 1957 Bentley S1 Continental wears 'Flying Spur' Sports Saloon coachwork by H.J. Mulliner. It is believed to be one of 16 left-hand-drive versions built to this design for 1957. This example was in single-family ownership for nearly six decades. It is believed to have been purchased new by a Pennsylvania oil tycoon and was later acquired by the current owner's uncle in 1968.

This Bentley is finished in silver over patinaed dark blue leather and has a factory sunroof and air-conditioning system.

by Dan Vaughan

Continental Fastback by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC101LBG

This Bentley S1 Continental sports a superb fastback body crafted by H.J. Mulliner. It is one of 26 original left-hand-drive, two-door sport saloons offered by the manufacturer in the years 1956 to 1959. Highly prized and sought after in its day, the S1 Continental was considered la creme de la creme - and this car was particularly well equipped, with electric windows and air conditioning, among other conveniences. Purchased new by Dan F. Dutton of Los Angeles in March 1957, it was acquired in 1999 by Ludwig Fassbender, a Swiss citizen, who had the car fully restored by marque specialist P&A Wood of England. Originally Black Pearl with red leather, the Bentley Continental was redressed in Midnight Blue/Black with a blue leather interior.

When Bentley was purchased by the Volkswagen conglomerate in 1998, many fans of the marque feared the brand would lose its identity. With long time brother Rolls-Royce getting sold off to a different parent company, though, those worries were unwarranted.

Prior to the 1930's, Rolls-Royce and Bentley were serious competitors. Both firms offered their unique interpretations on the English gentleman's car theme. Walter Owen Bentley was a better car builder than businessman, though, and his company was facing serious financial hardships by the early 1930's.

Rolls-Royce Ltd. bought the troubled Bentley facilities in 1931. The first Roll-Royce-produced Bentley, the 3½ Litre, debuted for 1933. From this point until Volkswagen's purchase of the works in 1998, Bentley produced near twins of Rolls-Royce cars, with an occasional special vehicle of its own. Bentley and Rolls produced some of the finest four-wheeled machines in the world during their partnership, but the Bentley brand retained little identity of its own. Bentleys were essentially badge-engineered cars. They were the slightly sportier counterparts of contemporary Rollers.

Proof of this can be found throughout the histories of the two companies, but the Bentley S1 is a great place to start. Produced from 1955 through 1959, the S1 was mechanically and visually (in standard coachwork, at least) identical to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I in most ways. We've all seen Silver Clouds patiently waiting outside churches on wedding days, clad in white with dignified grilles gleaming. The Bentley, though, was a stronger seller despite its relative lack of fame.

A total of 3,538 Bentley S1's were produced. Of these, 3,072 were of the standard S1 variety on standard chassis. There were 35 made with long-wheelbase chassis. The remaining 431 were S1 Continentals.

The ancient F-series engine, a straight six design, powered the S1 and displaced 4,887cc. It had an iron block with an alloy head. Twin SU carburetors were employed in good British taste, and an automatic transmission was standard fare with an available 4-speed manual offered upon request.

The most impressive S1, in terms of both presence and performance, was the Continental. Rolls-Royce and Bentley were not in the habit of announcing such pedestrian numbers as horsepower ratings during S1 production, so it's unknown how much more power the Continental had over the standard S1. Other improvements were obvious, though, and the Continental's intentions were made clear regardless of its hazy power output figures.

Braking, steering, and suspension systems were all reworked to give Continentals a more controllable feel. They were not available with standard coachwork. The H.J. Mulliner Fastback Saloon body seen on many S1 Continentals resembles that of the supremely expensive R Continental which preceded it. An imposing and handsome design, a mammoth grille of the traditionally curved Bentley style stood upright at the nose of the vehicle. A long hood bridged the expansive gap between the radiator grille's top and the rakish windshield's bottom, and from there all body lines flowed downward and back in a sweeping motion to create an impression of speed even at standstill.

The S1 with standard coachwork was, as stated, a Silver Cloud I twin with a revised grille and new badging. It took the Continental version of the S1 to provide Bentley with a unique car that was in the honest spirit of the maker.

If you walk into a Bentley dealer today, you will notice, amongst other cars, a wonderfully styled fastback named Continental. It has a unique design and an engine with astounding grunt. It was designed to go, stop, and handle with aplomb, and bears no resemblance to any modern Rolls-Royce. So the next time you mistake a standard S1 for a Silver Cloud, ask yourself just how much of Bentley's innate identity was lost to Volkswagen.

Sources:

Kinney, Dave. 'Bentley S1 Continental.' Sports Car Market Apr 2005 21 Mar 2009 http://www.sportscarmarket.com/Profiles/2005/April/English/.

'Bentley S1 and Bentley S1 Continental; Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I: Bentley 3 1/2 Litre.' Rolls Royce and Bentley 21 Mar 2009 http://www.rrab.com/.

by Evan Acuña

The Bentley S1 was produced from 1955 through 1959 with 3538 examples were created and 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.

by Dan Vaughan