Winning bid
£19,000

1956 Bentley S1

Highlights

● Bentley S1 with Rolls Royce grille and details
● Smart interior with excellent leather
● Excellent Walnut fittings

The Appeal

Another very nice Rolls-Royce coming from our customer's wedding fleet; except it’s a Bentley!
 
Without opening the bonnet even an expert wouldn’t be able to tell, as only in the engine bay is the truth revealed with Bentley rocker cover and chassis plate. 

Originally part of an impressive five strong fleet of matching Rolls Royces, according to the seller, it has always been entirely reliable and dependable. With classic appeal and archetypal British looks the Silver Cloud/S1 model are always top of the wedding car list, and the seller tells us that they have always been busy, often booked in pairs. 

History and Paperwork

● First registered December 1956
● Just 4 owners in 66 years
● DVLA MoT history back to 2006
● Last MoT at 63,453 miles in 2012
● Old MoT certificates on file
● RREC valuation from 2009
● V5c in sellers name
● Regularly serviced by “in house” mechanic
● Part of an all white Rolls Royce wedding fleet

The Interior

● Light Tan leather in superb condition
● Impressive undamaged Walnut throughout
● Tidy Beige carpets
Opening the door of the Bentley reveals an extremely tidy and presentable interior.  The Light Tan leather is in excellent condition in both the front and back of the car, with no holes or damage. There is very little creasing that suggests the leather was refurbished relatively recently.
The Beige carpet has been protected by mats and is in excellent condition both in the rear, and in front of the passenger seat. There are a few small marks on the driver’s side beneath the mat.
Moving up to the dash, this area is also in superb condition, with no cracks or damage to the walnut whatsoever. All the various knobs and switches are intact, and the gauges are all clean and clear. It should be noted that the small temperature gauge appears to be missing.  The walnut door cappings are all undamaged and in immaculate condition, as are the various pull-out picnic tables in the front and rear.
The leather door cards are tidy and smart, with only minor shoe scuffs on the driver’s door.  On the rear passenger door the bottom carpeted section requires a little attention to reattach it.  The roof lining fits well and is tidy, but could be improved as there is slight discoloration to the fabric.
Overall the interior is very impressive, with virtually no faults that would require more than a few minutes attention to rectify.
Moving to the boot we found everything that could possibly be required by the driver on wedding duty including umbrellas.  The spare wheel is present, fitted with a unused BF Goodrich tyre, along with the jack and tools.  Hiding beneath there is a black carpet that appears to be in good condition. 

The Exterior

● Impressive “Wedding White “paint
● Consistent panel gaps
● Excellent chrome and trim
Walking around the Bentley we were impressed with the overall finish.  The white paint is well applied and there are no runs or peel areas that would be obvious on a car with such large panels.  The panel gaps are consistent throughout, and all four doors open and close easily and without droop. Studying the paint closely revealed a couple of areas that could do with some attention to improve the appearance. 

Firstly, on the front wing just below the sidelight on the driver’s side there is a bubble in the paint that has started to split signifying some possible corrosion beneath. Again on the same side there is a small scuff on the leading edge of the rear wheel arch where it might have rubbed on the scenery! Although not noticeable from a distance this could do with touching in.
Apart from these minor points the paintwork is in very good condition.
Moving to the all important chrome areas we were impressed that most of it is free from any pitting or dents. The bumpers are straight and shiny, and the Rolls Royce grille is smart and very presentable.  Close study revealed one of the upright vanes in the centre has a couple of dents, but all the vanes are straight and the grille retains its imposing looks.  The Spirit of Ecstasy mascot is intact and properly mounted.  There is nothing that would reveal to someone viewing the exterior that this is actually a Bentley and not a Rolls, as the grille, badging and trim is all correct and well fitted.
The wheels have a matching set of correct Rolls Royce full hubcaps, none of which have any dents or damage, but they would all benefit from some time spent being polished as they all have some spots and pitting, most of which would come off with a bit of effort. The tyres are Yokohamas all with light wear and plenty of life remaining.  They are A/T tyres with a relatively chunky tread pattern and were likely purchased due to price or lack of availability of the correct Dunlops.

The Mechanics 

● Mechanically dependable and reliable
● Tidy and original engine bay with evidence of new parts
● Regular servicing by “in house” mechanic
Upon opening the bonnet we were impressed by the original appearance of the engine which has correct fabric wrapped leads and wiring.  The bulkhead is clean with no tell tale spatter of oil that would indicate a leak. The coil looks to have been replaced, and use of the odd clean cable tie here and there shows us that recent maintenance has been undertaken. The black painted parts are all smart with no corrosion, in fact there is very little anywhere under the bonnet. It looks pretty much as it would have come from the Bentley factory, complete with Bentley chassis plate and rocker cover.
Looking beneath the car reveals a solid chassis and floor, with no evidence of drips or leaks from the engine.  There is some mud splatter (who got married in a field?) and some general road dirt, but we were again impressed by the condition.
As we write this the Bentley will be performing its final wedding duty for the seller’s business in the coming weeks and as it is dependable and in excellent mechanical condition. No doubt those duties will be carried out as perfectly as ever.  

Summary

Well maintained, presentable and reliable; exactly what a working wedding car should be. 

This Bentley, although wearing a Rolls Royce disguise, is in excellent condition, with only a few minor details that could be improved.  Ready to work, it would add a bit of classic Rolls Royce class to any wedding.  Or with a little expense it could become a Bentley once again and still turn heads at any occasion.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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Auction Details

  • Year1956
  • MakeBentley
  • ModelS1
  • ColourWhite
  • Odometer76,070 Miles
  • Engine size4887cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • CountySussex
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

38 Bids

dirk-ge••••
Bid
£19,000
08/11/22
beatae1••••
Bid
£18,750
08/11/22
dirk-ge••••
Bid
£18,500
08/11/22
beatae1••••
Bid
£18,250
08/11/22
dirk-ge••••
Bid
£18,000
08/11/22
steyr55••••
Bid
£17,750
08/11/22
dirk-ge••••
Bid
£17,250
08/11/22
steyr55••••
Bid
£17,000
08/11/22
dirk-ge••••
Bid
£16,750
08/11/22
beatae1••••
Bid
£16,500
08/11/22

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