1957 Bentley S1 Continental Fastback by HJ Mulliner

Registration: EU Registered                     Chassis no: BC40DJ

To many connoisseurs the Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars of the Fifties and early Sixties were the last cars displaying the traditional craftsmanship for which Rolls-Royce had become world-famous. Their separate chassis allowed an uncommon elegance of coachwork design, either by the Crewe factory itself or by independent coachbuilders such as H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward and James Young; the unitary construction of body and chassis of all subsequent models all but ended such a traditional association.  The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S series, announced in April 1955, employed such a chassis. Power was provided by the 4,887cc straight six engine of the R-Type Continental producing an estimated 158bhp which, via the four speed automatic transmission, allowed a top speed of 100mph.

The use of the term Continental to indicate a high performance version of an existing chassis was an inspiration of Sir Henry Royce, and was first applied to the short chassis version of the Phantom II in 1930. Pleased with the success of the R-Type Continental, Bentley decided to offer a Continental version of the S series as well.

H. J. Mulliner, now part of the Rolls-Royce empire, had been responsible for the fine looking, two-door, fastback cars whose aerodynamic lines were only infringed upon by the degree of conservatism expected of it by its clientele, demanding that at the very least the traditional Bentley radiator should be retained. Although the R-type's 120 inch wheelbase was increased to 123 inches on the S-type, there was only a minimum of alteration needed to make Mulliner's lovely body fit the new model, the only noticeable differentiation being the introduction of scalloping into the rear mudguards.

Chassis BC39D was delivered new to South Africa, where it has benefitted greatly from the dry climate, including special factory modifications including an oil bath air filter and twin fan belts. Upon returning to Europe, it has resided mainly in Spain with its owners for the past 25 years.  In this time, the car has been garaged and maintained to ensure its overall excellent condition. Today presented in its resplendent condition, this extremely desirable Grand Touring Bentley of the 1950s is beautifully presented in sage green with a tan interior, still one of the most beautiful cars of its era.

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