1958 Bentley S1

Highlights

Originally owned by the UK Ambassador to the USA
Spent years in the USA with a chauffeur before returning to the UK
Serviced and driven regularly as a working wedding car
Always stored indoors under a cover

The Appeal

By the mid-1950s, shortly after rationing ended and the effects of the War finally begin to wain, Britain's car makers could finally start developing some new models that weren't merely mildly updated version of their '30s range.

Rolls-Royce (and by association) Bentley launched the game-changing Silver Cloud/S1 in 1955. The new J.P. Blatchley design was radically different to anything the firm had hitherto produced, both cosmetically and in terms of chassis design. The Bentley S1 went better, handled better, rode better and stopped better than its predecessors and the styling was considerably more modern than the outgoing R Type.

This particular 1958 Bentley S1 stands out for its fascinating history. Originally owned by the UK Ambassador to the USA, this car has a storied past, having spent years in the USA with a chauffeur before returning to the UK.

The Bentley has been meticulously maintained and serviced regularly, ensuring it remains in good order to serve the vendor's wedding car fleet. With retrofitted electronic ignition, it reportedly runs beautifully and reliably, making it a joy to drive. Always stored inside with a cover, this Bentley has been well-preserved, making it a worthy addition to any classic car collection.

History and Paperwork

Right-hand drive example first registered in 1958
Regularly serviced and driven as a wedding car
8,771 miles indicated - the vendor states the true figure is believe to be 108,771 as the speedometer/odometer unit is understood to be original
In present ownership since 2016
We're informed that the original owner was the UK Ambassador to the USA
The car spent years in the USA with a chauffeur before returning to the UK
Always stored indoors throughout current ownership
V5C present along with copies of period logbooks
Original factory chassis data and original purchaser details
Collection of old MOT certificates
Several parts invoices from Flying Spares
Significant job sheet from Mark Taylor RR & B Ltd dated February 2016
Exempt from road tax and MOT

The Condition

Fashionable colour scheme: Silver over a red interior
Exceedingly original throughout
Straight and solid-looking bodywork
Very smart chrome
Bubbling to the front wings near the door shuts and a slight dent to this area on the offside
Some paint cracking around the nearside front sidelight/parking light - a separate piece on both the S1 and the Silver Cloud
The bodywork looks to be straight and solid overall
Well-preserved interior with attractive patina to the rear leather upholstery
As photographed, there is a tear to the rear seat
The front seats looks to have been reupholstered
Very smart veneers with light age-commensurate wear

The Mechanics

4,887 cc straight-six
Four-speed automatic transmission
We're assured that the Bentley runs beautifully and reliably
Mechanically standard except for electronic ignition
New fuel filter
The vendor comments that there is no work needed with regards to the running gear

BEFORE YOU BUY

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