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Replacing the R-Type, Bentley launched the S1 as their predominant luxury car. Among these was the Continental which was meant for custom coachbuilt bodies in the same theme as the R-Type Continental. To underline the sporting potential, Bentley fitted a shorter radiator, higher transmission ratios and an optional manual transmission. These were some of the most expensive cars produced in the period.

When launched the S-seires Bentley was almost identical to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I, except for the front radiator treatment. Both models used the same 4.9-liter inline-6 which could power the car up to 120 mph. The chassis was built from box-sectioned sheet steel and could support a variety of different bodies.

In October of 1955 the Continental chassis became available for custom coachwork. In total, 431 S1 Continentals were manufactured and the bulk of the bodies were built by H.J. Mulliner as a fastback sports saloon.

Chassis & Sales

1956 Bentley S1 Continental Sports Saloon BC48LBG - sold for €218,500 Of the 431 Bentley S1 Continentals produced between 1955 and 1959, 185 were bodied by Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder, Park Ward Ltd, of which 63 were left-hand drive. Left-hand drive chassis number 'BC48LBG' was delivered new to Baron Empain in 1956 via Franco Britannic Autos Ltd of Levallois, Paris, the official Bentley distributor for France. In 1960 Baron Empain sold the car to a family member: the Count d'Arschot, a world famous art a... more
Gallery: 2011 Automobiles d'exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams

1958 Bentley S1 Continental Park Ward Drophead Coupe BC3LDJ - did not sell for $385,000 Bought new by Karl’s Shoe Store Ltd. in 1957. Owner Harry Karl was the husband of actress Debbie Reynolds. Built new for Los Angeles Auto Show. One of only 31 LHD Bentley S1 Park Ward Continental DHCs built . Automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning. Always fastidiously maintained without regard to expense. Stunning color combination of black/silver over red Connolly leather.
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM

1956 Bentley S1 Continental Fastback Coupé BC64AF - sold for €255,200 The particular example offered today was sold new to a Cmdr. B.A. Russell in London. It passed shortly thereafter to the 3rd Earl of Inchcape and then to a P. Durham. It came to America sometime in the ’80s and was faithfully restored to its current superb condition in 2001 by the highly respected Alan Taylor of Escondido, California. Some $50,000 was spent, inclusive of new, show-quality paint. It was a part of the Steven Wolf Collection in F... more
Gallery: 2011 London Auction by RM

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