Description

1956 Bentley S1

Appealing old six-pot S1 with a nicely patinated interior and sweet engine - ready made business opportunity?

Dating from September 1956, this earlier model Bentley S1 features the 4,887cc straight-six (as used in the Bentley Continental) driving the rear wheels via 4-speed automatic column shift transmission.

A Standard Steel Saloon, this particular example has seating for six (five was an option with individual front seats as opposed to the bench seen here) and is finished in cream with what looks to be the original oxblood leather interior showing 65 years of patina giving it a wonderfully warm, well-loved and cosy feel.

Starting promptly, the engine ran well and quietly at the time of photography, indeed the vendor tells us the engine and gearbox are original and in good fettle.  We gather the car has seen service in the Wedding industry for some 25 years and been with our vendor for the past six and half during which time he tells us the car has had new sills, rear arches, a front wing and cosmetic repairs (we do not know when these works were undertaken).

Presenting well for its age and usage, (there are some bits that may require attention atop, and underneath as pictured) the car is reluctantly for sale with the other three Wedding cars as part of a business and perhaps surprisingly this is the vendor’s favourite of them all – affectionately known as 'Grace', he said it would be the one he would choose to get in and drive somewhere if he had to.

The history file includes the V5C and 13 MOTs dating back to 2001. The car is of course Tax and MOT exempt, the last MOT was issued in January 2015 at 71,983 miles recording one advisory – however, the car has shown 71,983 miles every year since online records began in 2006 and still shows 71,983 miles suggesting the odometer is inoperable.  Bidders please note, the Experian report shows a colour change from Grey to White in January 1998.

Use as is, use and improve or strip and restore the choice is yours, but its time for a new owner to take the helm and enjoy this majestic beast whether for work or play.

Documents: V5C; 13 old MOTs

For more information contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com