1956 | Bentley S 1

1956 Bentley S1 Continental Park Ward Coupe
Chassis number: BC57BG
Registration Number: OFF505
Simply the best of the best; This car is in simply impeccable condition & comes to us from decade long term ownership in a private collection.
The works order reference for this vehicle was BSX 444 and the chassis was delivered to Lillie Hall on September 11 1956 thence to the shippers on December 4 1956
The radio then fitted is recorded as J20/640 (Radio 200X)
The chassis card refers to the special features already listed together with a"T" key, a six suitcases, a tin of polish, Coachwork instructions and a French Brochure.
Shipping was on or after 4 December 1956 and was per S.S. City of Brussels. The car was destined to Imperia S. A., Belgium for delivery to their customer Mdme. L Lauwers-Jacquiotte of 139, Rue Haute, Brussels. The lady apparently managed a family-owned chain of restaurants and the Brussels city centre property is still standing (see Google Earth).
From the specification the lady seemed to know her cars and the combination of an RHD vehicle and a speedometer in kilometres is certainly rare, possibly unique in 1956. Manual gearboxes were rare by late 1956 and Continentals So fitted can attract a premium nowadays.
The car next featured in records so far discovered in 1962- when in the possession of leading London specialist dealer Jack Barclay of Berkley Square. They were apparently perplexed by some of the changes to specification, but their enquiry of Bentley Motors was answered by G. Crave of the Hythe Road Service Depot (copy attached) advising them that the car had been returned to them for work in June 1957 at speedo. reading 12.429 Km. and the work included the replacement of the manual gearbox with automatic transmission. It is known that there were some guarantee issues with early RR built automatic gearboxes ascribed to RR over polishing gear cogs. This may have prompted the ordering of the manual and the substitution when the problem was overcome by less polishing. American lesser standard finishes apparently worked better. The problem is referred to in Bernard Kings Complete Classics series page 19. The gearbox fitted here (Number not ascertained) looks to have been one that worked well.
From other records (ownership summary in the car's file ) she went on to spend some years in the famous Blackhawk Collection and there is a subsequent reference to a Mr Groten in the USA. It was sold by auction and returned to the UK for storage then passed to Mr P. Bensted, 24 Clareville Grove London SW7 SAS
Present Condition:

Absolutely superb showroom standard, housed in ideal conditions as part of a select private collection. A full photographic survey was made as far as was possible but a detailed underside inspection (on ahoist) which can reveal component numbers was not possible without extensive disruption. A selection of photographs highlighting specific features are in our gallery.
Current specification is Automatic with an MPH speedometer. Not as built and delivered
The gearbox was changed from manual in April 1968, but it is not known when the speedometer was changed. Records show readings up to 85, 950 (probably km); at inspection was 36, ,682 miles. The indications are, therefore, that it is +100, ,000 or thereabouts
Paintwork is black, repainted as per original and re-upholstered with deep crimson red leather upholstery. Crimson carpets with self-colour piping. Boot carpet with spare wheel cover cream piped red. All in first class order. Seat belts have been fitted, also red matching with the upholstery
Woodwork in excellent condition with nicely figured veneer
Chrome is undamaged and in excellent order. Note Change of headlamp specification possibly dating from 1970
The original suitcases were not available (a previous owner may still have them) Compartment beneath boot floor containing fitted tool kits, jack and battery
An interesting specification is the elegant hinge/stay/1ocking mechanism to the boot lid.
Engine is in excellent, very clean condition having been the recipient of a full rebuild along with other mechanical work.
Viewings are by appointment in Northern Ireland.