Story and History

1956 Bentley S series DHC by Graber - LHD

Of the few Bentley chassis sent to specialist coach builders in the 1950's, an even smaller minority were sent across the Chanel to European coach builders

The most prolific of these was Hermann Graber, based near Bern in Switzerland

Pre war he had produced drop head versions of the 20HP Rolls-Royce chassis and also a 3 1/2 litre Bentley

It was post war that he became much more prolific, producing designs for the MK VI, 'R' type, 'R' type Continental, 'S' series & Continental and finally a design for the S3

This is one such example and fortune is on our side that it was sent over to receive his ministrations - for this design is surely the ultimate in Graber's portfolio

Bentley originally sent the chassis to Switzerland for the construction of the body in August 1955, (chassis d�auto non carrosse as it says on the Swiss certification upon arrival through customs), and consigned to Mme Graber, perhaps she was to be the first owner?

Subsequent stamps in the Certificat d�acquittement, April 1956 confirm she had been bodied with a Cabriolet body

There is much correspondence from noted historian, Klaus-Josef Rossfeldt who confirms that this motor car is, what she purports to be, and also a certificate from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Lausanne in 1985 validating the provenance of the vehicle too

The last owner took possession in 1985 having purchased her from Maspoli SA, Vevey and imported her to his home in Stuttgart

We still have the registration paper (Fahrzeugbrief) in his name and very many service invoices kept during his tenure

He also had her repainted, retrimmed and with a new hood fitted at this time and the samples from which he chose the colours are within the folder too

He chose with great taste too - outside completed in a wonderful mid silver shade with a beige hood and matching hood bag. The interior has an amazing olive green leather with dark olive green edging and finishing touches - just gorgeous!!

The steering wheel is bound in black hide and feels superb to the touch

Windows are electric, transmission is automatic and steering is powered too

After a period of 27 years of ownership he sold her, through our friends at E.Thiesen, to the most recent keeper, based locally to our showrooms in Kensington

This is one of two Grabers to this design on the Bentley S chassis � the other (B478LAN) is located in Germany and was produced in RHD

The design was shown at the 1956 Geneva Motor Show, using sister car B478AN which we believe is now in the hands (understandably) of a previous Bentley Motors chairman

B462LAN is offered for sale in excellent overall condition, having been properly cared for during her 27 year sabbatical in Germany (including a full restoration), and represents a unique opportunity, being the only LHD version of this design