1959 Bentley Continental S1

Fastback Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC38LEL

Use of the term continental to indicate a high performance version of an existing chassis was an inspiration of Sir Henry Royce and was applied to the short chassis version of the Phantom II in 1930. Bentley decided to offer a Continental version of the S series and H.J. Mulliner, now part of the Rolls-Royce empire, was responsible for these fine-looking, two-door, fastback cars. The addition of 'High Wing' at the rear of the standard continental was a feature on only three left-hand drive examples.

This 1959 Bentley Continental S1 has coachwork designed by H.J. Mulliner and is a High Wing Fastback Coupe. It is the first of only three left-drives built and was delivered to Mr. Paul Roebling of Trenton, NJ. He was a descendent of the legendary Charles Roebling, the engineer who designed and built the Brooklyn Bridge. It is fully optioned with Blaupunkt AM-FM-SW radio, power antenna and windows, Sundym glsas throughout and with full refrigeration (air conditioning), all of which remain.

This Bentley, with chassis number BC38LEL, was delivered to its first owner, Paul Roebling of New Jersey, in 1959. Priced at $35,000 it was fully fitted with every option that Bentley offered at the time, including air conditioning, Sundym glass and electric windows. After several subsequent owners, it was acquired in 2007 by its current Bentley enthusiast. It was given a restoration in the late 2000s.

Saloon by James Young

The Continental S1 was produced starting in 1955 and ending in 1959 with Design #29. Most base-series S1s were factory-made steel body saloons, but a limited number of S1 Continentals were custom built by outside coach maker James Young. This left-drive was one of two built and is the only one in existence today, which makes it a rare model. The car was imported by Inskip Motors on August 15th of 1958, and was delivered to Mobile, Alabama. It is the first factory air conditioned car to enter the United States. The cost of this sports saloon new was 8,295 pounds, the most expensive Continental. It was the fastest saloon built obtaining speeds in excess of 120 mph, and did 0-60 mph in 12.9 seconds. It is powered by a six-cylinder, 4.9-liter engine coupled to a four-speed hydramatic transmission and weighs 4,480 pounds.

In 1992, the car underwent a ground-up, two-year restoration by Vantage Motorworks.

Drop Head Coupe by Park Ward & Co.

This S-Continental Park Ward Convertible is one of the 31 left drive, alloy-bodied dropheads built between 1956 and 1959. This late example is equipped with the upgraded large valve, large carburetor engine, original equipment power steering, power-operated convertible top and air-conditioning authentic for the period. It is also one of three originally supplied with power-operated windows.

It was acquired by the restorer in entirely original unrestored and undamaged order from the original owner, the wife of a principal of the Dreyfus Fund. As promised to her, it was restored to show quality, finished in sand/sable with beige top and hides.

Complete tools, owner's handbooks, and copies of the manufacturer's records are included.

Fastback Coupe by Mulliner

This Bentley is a H.J. Mulliner Design #7466 'High Wing' Fastback coupe. It is the second of only three left drives built, all for the 1959 model year. They were delivered to a discerning clientele who had both the taste and the approximately $35,000 required to dictate the color layouts and equipment. Factory records indicate this example was delivered to Lucius E. Packard of Newport Beach, CA, on November 12, 1959 and was the last S-1 Continental supplied to the United States. it was delivered so late that the instructions were to title it as a 1960 model, which it is not.

The early ownership trail is not documented but it was acquired by Vantage Motorworks in entirely original undamaged order in May 1997 with 82,000 miles. It had been the object of a protracted litigation between a collector/trader who acquired it in 1989 from the estate of a gentleman who died in 1982.

It was then offered by Alfred B. Lerner who gave it a one year restoration. He enjoyed the car on a limited basis until his death some years later. The current owner purchased the car from his estate with less than 1,000 miles traveled.

Flying Spur Sports Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC14LEL

In 1952, Bentley introduced the R-Type chassis Continental sport saloon that offered effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner. The final generation of the six-cylinder cars - the Silver-Cloud and the Bentley S-Type - in April of 1955, continued the Continental tradition and the exclusivity. Later that year, in October, the Bentley Continental became available on the 'S' chassis. The H.J. Mulliner-styled fastback was the quickest four/five-seater saloon of its day. The S-Type had a new box-section chassis and improved suspension and brakes. It also came equipped with an enlarged and more powerful version of the existing inlet-over-exhaust six-cylinder engine. The Continental version came with a higher compression ratio, shorter radiator and higher overall gearing and could be ordered with right-hand change manual transmission.

The S1 Continental brought along several other important developments including the phasing in of power-assisted steering (standardized in 1958) and (from chassis 'BC21BG') a more powerful engine incorporating an increased compression ratio, larger carburetors and bigger inlet valves.

Just like the original R-Type, the new S-Type Continental was a coach built car. The 'Flying Spur' bodystyle, built by H.J. Mulliner, cost £7,994, which was 44% more than a 'standard steel'

This particular example started assembly at the Creve-based Bentley works during November of 1957. It was given left-hand drivee configuration and power steering. It was delivered to coach builders H.J. Mulliners to receive its 'Flying Spur' Sports Saloon coachwork. The work took nearly a year to complete, and would be finished in two-tone Sand and Sable over a red Interior. The optional equipment fitted to this car included white wall tires, radio and wing mirrors, and equipped for the U.S. market where it was shipped aboard the SS Andria. Rolls-Royce of New York, Inc. was marked as the retailer, and J.S. Inskip, Inc. as the selling dealer.

The car's first recorded owner was Mr. Paul V. Shields of Southampton, NY. By 1961, the Bentley Continental was sold to Mr. Henry E. Dahlberg of Tucson, AZ. By the 1970s, it was in the care of Mr. John L. Hanson of Hollidaysburg, PA, which whom the car is believed to have remained with until 2012.

In 2013, the car was brought back to the United Kingdom, where it received a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment. The interior was re-upholstered in brown leather, and the headlining and wood trim panels refurbished.

The car returned to the United States in 2015.

by Dan Vaughan

Flying Spur Sports Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC24FM
Engine number: BC23F

The Bentley S1 Continental had an identical chassis and engine to the standard S1, but with a 2.923 rear axle and 8.0:1 compression ratio better suited for high-speed, long-distance cruising. The Continental was availed with a broad selection of coachwork, including the H.J. Mulliner Sport Saloon.

This particular example was one of 54 produced to design number 7443. It was built with the optional automatic transmission and AM radio for Sir David Evans-Bevan. It was original specified as a two-door saloon, with the design changing before the final build, and the guarantee was issued on January 9th of 1959. It was acquired by Marples, Ridgway & Partners of Grosvenor Gardens, London in 1964. A later owner was A. Khayat of Inverness-shire, who had it restored between 2007 and 2010 by P&A Wood. The body was finished in Richmond Blue lacquer. The period radio was converted to FM with an MP3 lead, and an MPH face installed in the speedometer head.

by Dan Vaughan

Originally called the Bentley S, the Bentley S1 was introduced in 1955 and remained in production until 1959, after 3,538 examples were built. In similar fashion to the preceding Mark VI and R-Type Bentleys, there were little difference between the standard Bentley and the Rolls-Royce Models, in this case, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I. It shared the 4.9-liter straight-6 engine and backed by a four-speed automatic transmission. The 4.9-liter engine, with increased compression, larger carburetors and intake valves, helped boost power over its 4.5-liter predecessor by 13 percent. Additional elements adding to the proper road manners included a host of suspension, steering and braking improvements.

Bentley Series S1 and the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud were virtually identical with the exception of grille and badging details. They were both the product of Managing Director Arthur Sedgreaves' new production and manufacturing techniques, which produced the Standard Steel Saloon. The original 123-inch wheelbase platform persisted until 1957 when it was replaced by a larger, 127-inch platform.

Shortly after the introduction of the Bentley S1, the Bentley Continental became available on the 'S' chassis in October of that same year. The Standard Steel Saloon fulfilled the company's commercial requirements, but for the more discerning customer, something more elegant and exclusive was requested. Those who could afford these cars were limited only by their imagination.

The Continental version came with a higher compression ratio, shorter radiator and higher overall gearing and could be ordered with right-hand change manual transmission (at least for a short time). In 1958, the S1 Continental received power-assisted steering and (from chassis 'BC21BG') a more powerful engine incorporating an increased compression ratio, larger carburetors and bigger inlet valves.

by Dan Vaughan

Drop Head Coupe by Park Ward & Co.
Chassis number: BC14LGN
Engine number: BC13G

This Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupe by Park Ward is one of 31 left-hand-drive S1 Continentals built. It was original finished in the color scheme of Sand and Sable, with beige upholstery and brown top. It came equipped with an automatic transmission, power windows and top, Radiomobile radio with power aerial, and full Rolls-Royce air-conditioning.

This Bentley was ordered through the Thoroughbred Car Company of Oklahoma City by local resident William Taylor Hales Jr. Delivery of the car was made to Mr. Hales at Lille Hall, and was driven around London for twelve days, after which Bentley arranged to drive it to Southampton for its departure to a new home in the United States.

James R. Williams was the car's new known owner. The current owners acquired the Bentley from Williams via Vantage Motorworks in 1986. It has an older but well-presented restoration, still finished in its original color scheme. An upgraded radio is its only upgrade from its original specifications.

by Dan Vaughan

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