1957 Bentley S1

Bentley S1 (1957) with Power Steering, high compression straight six engine (4. 9 litre) and Harold Radford additions. One previous owner.

Tudor Grey paintwork with London Tan leather interior.

Recent professional/ extensive nut and bolt restoration including bare metal respray and now presenting in exceptional condition. £17, 000 spent on bodywork alone.

Ordered new by a wealthy Australian farmer and remaining in his families ownership for 60 years, until repatriated to England and purchased by myself.

This vehicle was a true barn find. Totally untouched and very original/ complete. Amazingly, due to its life spent in a dry climate there was no rust or rot in the body or chassis - nor any signs of repair other than some light dents! It had been well maintained mechanically but had spent the last decade lying idle in a private aircraft hanger on the family's estate. The paintwork was dull and worn through from years of polishing and the leather interior and wood veneer faded but with only superficial damage.

The fundamentals were so good that I decided to spend the next seven years painstakingly restoring the vehicle to an exceptional standard with no expense spared. It now presents and drives like it would have done when new, in fact I like to think it's a little bit better!

Work carried out in my ownership.

Full bare metal repaint in period correct Tudor Grey.
Trim re chromed, where required.
All leatherwork repaired and re coloured in original London Tan.
All veneer re lacquered by Bentley experts near Crewe.
Glove boxes relined with wool baize.
New wool carpets and over mats fitted.
99% of rubber seals replaced.
Window channel and inner door seals replaced.
All instruments including clock and cigar lighters restored and working.
Original HMV valve radio serviced and working.
Suspension bushes replaced.
New handbrake cable.
Both rear ride adjustable shock absorbers rebuilt.
Petrol pump rebuilt.
Brakes fully overhauled inc replacement master cylinders, wheel cylinders, shoes, reservoirs and servo.
Engine and gearbox serviced.
New engine and gearbox rubber bushes.
Electronic ignition fitted.
Carbs rebuilt.
Fuel pressure regulator fitted.
New radiator.
New thermostat.
Heated rear window and windscreen replaced.
King pins replaced.
Chassis lubrication system fully restored.
Heating system fully restored with new matrix and diaphragms.
New leather leaf spring gaiters.
Period Bentley 'B' logo headlights fitted.
Front and rear Bentley badges restored.
Power steering overhauled.
New water pump.
New battery.
New dynamo.
New coil.
Distributor restored and balanced.
New HT leads and distributor cap.
New voltage regulator.
New battery.
New exhaust.
New set of 5 period correct tyres.
And much more……….

Bentley factory extras ordered when first built in 1957.

Power steering.
"Colonial springing" (stiffer suspension for the poor Australian roads).
Oil bath air filter.
High compression engine.
Enlarged SU carburettors.
Air horns.
Overseas tool kit including several gearbox related tools not included with UK cars.

Owners and Chauffeurs keys. The Chauffeurs key doesn't open the glovebox or boot for security purposes.

Period correct Harold Radford extras added by me during the rebuild.

Swivel search light operated from dashboard.
Rear overrider mounted picnic stools.
Comprehensive picnic set, including electric kettle that plugs into the boot.
Battery isolator.
Fold out boot picnic table.
Fitted umbrella and shooting stick.
Glass and silver cocktail decanters and silver cups.
Cigar humidor in rear armrest.

109, 000 miles from new.

I drive the car regularly and have found it to be reliable and very comfortable, providing a surprisingly modern driving experience - testament to Bentley's incredible engineering at the time.

Extensive history file included with lots of original Bentley paperwork, original build sheets and manuals for car, radio, automatic gearbox etc. Lots of original marketing material and brochures plus a huge quantity of invoices for the many thousands I have spent.

This vehicle is a spectacular example of the mark and must number among the very best still on the road. I will be incredibly sorry to see it go.

£49, 950 ono

I am a private collector and enthusiast, not a motor trader, so no warranty is provided but any professional inspection is very welcome.