• Year of manufacture 
    1953
  • Mileage 
    8 mi / 13 km
  • Car type 
    Coupé
  • Chassis number 
    BCC1
  • Engine number 
    N/A
  • Sunroof
    Yes
  • Reference number 
    2
  • Drive 
    RHD
  • Condition 
    N/A
  • Exterior brand colour 
    Pewter
  • Interior colour 
    Brown
  • Interior brand colour 
    Original Brown hide
  • Interior type 
    Leather
  • Number of doors 
    2
  • Number of seats 
    4
  • Location
    United Kingdom
  • Exterior colour 
    Green
  • Gearbox 
    Manual
  • Drivetrain 
    2wd
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

For sale - This is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history: the very first of the CC series Bentley Continentals. Chassis number BCC1, body number 5564, is a vehicle of immense significance, representing the pinnacle of 1950s British engineering and luxury.

The First of Its Kind
Produced by H.J. Mulliner in the iconic "Fastback" design style (7277), this car is one of only 193 ever built. Originally commissioned for S.E. Sears, this vehicle holds special historical weight as the lead of the CC series—a production run primarily intended for the export market. Today, with only 108 examples remaining in the UK, this car stands as a remarkably preserved survivor. In 1953, with a staggering price tag of £7,608, it was officially the most expensive production car in the world.

Engineering Excellence
The design 7277 was a pioneer, being the first post-war model to undergo rigorous wind-tunnel testing. Under the guidance of chief design engineer John Blatchley, the car’s silhouette was sculpted for high-speed stability. The entire body, including the window and screen frames, was crafted from lightweight aluminium, demonstrating a relentless commitment to performance that remains impressive to this day.

Exceptional Specification
This example remains in a state of remarkable preservation, featuring its original Brown Connolly leather interior from 1953, paired with a stunning Pewter exterior. It is equipped with a suite of unique special-order options that distinguish it from its peers:
* Performance & Utility: Four-speed manual transmission, Tapley performance meter, and a rare Spitfire Altimeter.
* Original lightweight seats and leather
* Factory manual
* 4.9 litre engine, balanced crankshaft
* Distinctive Styling: 2 ½-inch higher radiator shell,
* Wheel spats
* Sunroof
* RAF day clock
* Lightweight bumpers
* Lighting: Four telescopic headlamps

Provenance
This vehicle comes with a complete, unbroken record of ownership spanning from 1953 to 2026.
1. 1953–1960: Mr. S.E. Sears (UK) ex-President of Veteran Car Club, the Rolls-Royce twenty Ghost Club and Commitee member of the Royal Automobile Club
2. 1960–1965: Mr. R.P. Lovell (UK)
3. 1965–2001: Mr. J. Fothergill (UK)
4. 2001–2002: Mr. G. Dodds (UK)
5. 2002–2006: Mr. W. Ainscough (UK)
6. 2006–2008: Private Collection
7. 2008–2024: Private Collection
8. 2024–Present: Current Ownership

Opportunities to acquire a vehicle of such pedigree, documented history, and exceptional condition are exceedingly rare. This Bentley Continental is not merely a car, but a significant artifact of automotive design.

Every vehicle undergoes a rigorous inspection and full service prior to delivery, and is supplied with a 12-month MOT. We offer complimentary UK-wide delivery and can arrange worldwide shipping at an additional cost; our extensive network of global partners ensures a seamless and effortless buying experience.

Defining the absolute standard: Traditional values, modern perspective.


Wainwright & Daughters
135
Anyand park Road
Twickenham
TW1 3HN
United Kingdom
Contact Person Kontaktperson
Title 
Mr
First name 
Christopher
Last name 
Wainwright

Phone 
+44-7442499660
Mobile phone 
+44-7442499660
Please provide an email address or a phone number.

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