1955 Bentley S1
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Year of manufacture1955
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Mileage83 560 mi / 134 477 km
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Car typeOther
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Lot number232
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Reference number114880_116815
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DriveRHD
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ConditionUsed
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Location
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Exterior colourOther
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GearboxManual
Description
"Successor to the R-Type, the Bentley S1 was introduced in 1955 with a whole new chassis; the car's wheelbase had been extended 3 to 123, and the luggage compartment was expanded. The S1 had softer suspension than the R-Type, with electrically controlled rear shock absorbers. Brakes had been improved and the steering was lighter, even more so after 1957 with optional power assisted steering. This model marked the final integration of Bentley with Rolls-Royce - the standard saloons were now entirely alike, but for grilles and badging. The engine was Rolls' 4887cc F-head six, in its final configuration before the introduction of V8 power in 1959. Manual gearboxes were supplied only to special order. With the introduction of the aluminium 6230cc V8 engine in 1959, the S1 Bentley became the S2, and the corresponding Rolls-Royce was renamed Silver Cloud II. The British magazine ‘The Motor’ reported a top speed of 103 mph and 0-60 acceleration of 13.1 seconds from a short-wheelbase S1 in 1957.
One of just 27 Bentley S1’s bodied by H.J. Mulliner & Co and one of just 25 right hand drive examples with the drophead coupé chassis, found detailed in the supplied specification sheets in the history file, this example is presented in maroon with cream leather trim and supplied new by HR Owen Ltd to Mr Jacobson of Jackson the Tailors in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Ordered in November 1955 and delivered to Mr Jacobson Esq. in July 1956 he owned the car until June of 1967 when he sold it to Mr Mealey of Chorley, Lancashire. Now presenting very well with new headlining and a recent full detail the car is a rare and handsome four-door saloon, representing a significant part of Bentleys coachbuilt history. Documents in the history file include original sales orders from the Rolls-Royce and Bentley Owners Club but also maintenance records as far back as 1990 on file, previously owned by prominent Rolls-Royce and Bentley historians and authors this is a very desirable motorcar indeed.
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