Chassis No. BC96LBG

Engine No. BC95B

The remarkable success of the Bentley R-Type Continental "Fastback" pushed H. J. Mulliner to offer Design No. 7400 for the new S.1 Continental chassis. Known as "Corniche II" it differs from the R-Type Continental in its stretched lines, yet maintains the sleek "fastback" rear end and modest rear fins.

This example's first owner, William Brewster of Stonington, Connecticut, was an honored and successful businessman, and an avid car enthusiast who favored Bentley Continentals. He was connected with Standard Oil, and the great Brewster & Company coachbuilding firm that bodied many of the most beautiful Rolls-Royce cars built in Springfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Brewster ordered this car with many special options. Side windows lowered using a special lightweight winding appliance, lightweight sliding front seats and tilting backs made the rear passenger compartment, designed to be wide and roomy, very accessible. Polished mahogany veneer cabinetry, twin picnic trays to the rear, and a sliding map tray completed the special equipment. The instrument panel, and the front and rear fenders were of a special design and the trunk was configured to be as large as possible.

The second owner, Gregory B. Smith, of New York, acquired the car in 1958 and owned it nearly 20 years before selling it in October 1977 to Samuel Ornstein of New Jersey, another avid car collector and long term owner. Ornstein sold his Bentley in 1993 after which it can be traced through a known and documented succession of owners before being purchased by the consignor, who commissioned a full and complete restoration by the highly-respected marque specialists, Vantage Motorworks of North Miami, Florida. It should be noted that, at a point prior to restoration, an era-correct, beautifully fitted, authentically ducted, and highly functioning air-conditioning system was installed by Vantage Motorworks.

Recently, Vantage Motorworks completed an extensive and complete restoration to Pebble Beach Concours standards. Presented in gleaming, silvery smoke green paintwork, the coordinating interior is sheer eye candy. Pale parchment leather enrobes the famously comfortable seating and sleek door panels. In the H. J. Mulliner tradition, the polished inlaid burled walnut veneered cabinetry is a delight. Wilton green wool carpeting piped in parchment features throughout the passenger compartment and trunk. Complete hand and road tools are fitted in place as new. Extensive documentation is included, and validates its authenticity and correctness in detail.

Presented here with a fresh, complete, and correct mechanical and cosmetic restoration, this rare, beautifully appointed, and elegantly understated example is not only a joy to drive, but is certain to be a show-stopper in the finest concours and car gathering events.