1955 | Bentley S 1 Continental Drophead Coupé

1955 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupe by Park Ward.
Chassis number: BC7AF
Registration Number: VTU915
A stunning & very rare example; originally the brain child of legendary coachwork designer John Blatchley who had been involved in the styling of the R Type Continental by H.J. Mulliner. Six R Type Continental chassis were delivered to the Park Ward works, which were then owned by Rolls-Royce. Blatchley was given the task of styling the four drophead coupes and the two further fixed head coupes on the R Type Continental chassis, a design which was later slightly adapted for the marginally longer S1 Continental chassis. Chassis No BCTAF was originally completed in October of 1955 and was just the fifth car built to Design No 700.
Initially retained as the trial car at the Rolls-Royce showroom in Conduit
Street in London. It was subsequently delivered to its first owner Mr S Norman of Ilford in Essex in October of 1958. It was purchased in July of 1961 by MR C Atkey of Nottinghamshire and the by Mr Lee of London in August of 1963. It was acquired by Bentley specialist P.J.Fischer in the early 1990's and subsequently restored and supplied by him to a customer based in Hong Kong. The car remained in the UK and was maintained by Fischer.
A massive nut & bolt restoration is currently being undertaken upon this car. It is 6 moths or so away from completion.
A modern Air Conditioning compressor has been beautifully installed under the bonnet providing ice cold air from two traditional Rolls Royce style chrone vents controlled by organ stop push pulls. The system is set up on a rheostat type control allowing for cabin temperature to be exactly regulated to the perfect level of interior ambience desired.
Final restoration pictures to follow as soon as the restoration is completed.