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1956 Bentley S1

Story and History

1956 Bentley S1 Continental Fastback

Originally first registered in April 1956, this stunning Continental was sold via H. R. Owen of London to a Mr. J. G. Walton of Teversal Manor. He had his cherished registration JW 8 allocated to his Bentley.

The report summary states “The Vehicle which forms the subject of this report is, in my opinion a good example of the model for its age and type. Restoration work has been carried out, however, the overall condition reflects a high standard of owner maintenance.”

Mr. Walton was also involved in the family business – The Walton Hosiery Company Ltd. Famous for their 1961 merger with the Pretty Polly Hosiery company, renowned for their seam-free Stockings with mothers, grandmothers and aunties everywhere.

The car was later sold to a Mr. Duff of Windsor. The Licencing office registered 314 VYO for the second owner, and this number has remained on her ever since.

A Mr. J. N. W. Dalton of Bury St. Edmunds then purchased the car in 1979 from Mr. Duff.

Victor M. Ashwell, a well known Bentley Driver's Club member for over 20 years purchased the car in 1983. Victor covered 34800 miles in his 20 year ownership.

In 2004 Mr. Ashwell sold the car to a Mr. W.E.B. Medcalf Hon. Technical Adviser and Valuation Officer for Crewe Built Cars of the Bentley Drivers Club. Mr. Medcalf was a good friend of Ashwell's through the Bentley Driver's Club and a renowned Bentley engineer. He continued the improvements, whilst still keeping the car roadworthy.

The car was then registered in the name of a Mr. George Lemberg for a short time, and in late 2008 it was sold to a Mr. Viken E. Krikorian of Blackheath, London.

It was later acquired by Swissco. Investments AG before being sold to Jason Kay for his collection via Frank Dale and Stepsons, our friends and marque specialist.

W.E.B. Medcalf Hon. Technical Adviser and Valuation Officer for Crewe Built Cars of the Bentley Drivers Club gave the car a Valuation Certificate for insurance purposes in March 2009, confirming the car retains its original engine and body.

He also notes on his compliments slip, “I owned one for 15 years with no trouble whatsoever. I used to leave central London and arrive in the south of France at a 100mph all the way where possible. They are a delight”

Copies of the original Chassis Cards and H. J. Mulliner paperwork state that the car was originally Cadillac Green With Grey leather, and is now Rolls-Royce Brewster Green with a grey/green Connolly hides inside, most attractive.

The car was specified without tables in the back of the front seats, GB badge on the rear and a badge bar, all these features remain on this car to the present day.

This car is fitted with the larger 4.9 litre B61 engine, Hydramatic four-speed automatic transmission, and is splendid to drive with plenty of power and excellent grand touring capabilities, as suggested by Mr. Medcalf.

The car remains in outstanding condition inside and out, without showing any major defects. The unseen areas have been taken care of as well with a pleasingly detailed engine compartment and boot, which retains the correct jacking tools.

Certainly a beautiful example of this rare car, one of only 123 examples produced, this represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire this stunning example of British engineering.

Of major interest for the prospective owner are the following:

The history file shows extensive records of maintenance and repairs throughout the vehicle's life, and even has handwritten statistics on performance and maintenance details recorded by owners who have all taken great pride in owning this iconic vehicle, quite charming when such records are unearthed within a nice history folder.

In April 1986 the gearbox and rear axle were overhauled and a new pinion bearing fitted at 107108 miles.

Only around 10 miles later, in 1990 the car received a full Retrim by Master Upholsterers, and in a 2003 note to Mr. Medcalf, Mr. V. Ashwell commented on how excellent the quality of the work remained, a testament to their quality after 14 years.

In July 1992 the gearbox and brake servo were overhauled by Overton's of Leigh on Sea, incidentally only 13394 miles after the 1986 works.

In June 1993 the engine was rebuilt (i.e. New pistons, exhaust valves and guides, cam followers, small and big end bearings, oil pump gears, dynamo bearings and hoses) by Overton's of Leigh on Sea. Around the same time the car also had a Major service and a Rear axle rebuild. Again, 14606 miles since the 1986 works.

In August 2010 the car was treated to a bare metal respray and rechroming of bumpers, door frames and handles. Our friends at Michael Hibberd carried out these works, and of course took photographs of the whole process. Again the car had only covered 29099 miles since the driveline works in 1986.

The car has also had its chassis Waxoyled regularly between 1990 and 2004.

Numerous records and receipts for other smaller but by no means insignificant repairs and upgrades can be found detailed in the history folder.

As the car takes pride of place in our Showrooms today, the gauge reads 137704 miles. This equates to just 1497 miles since the respray and rechroming, 15990 miles since the engine rebuild and axle overhaul, 17192 miles since the gearbox and brake servo rebuild and just 30586 miles since the full retrim by Master's Upholstery.

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Specifications

Status
Previously Sold
Engine Size
Transmission Type
Miles Recorded
Chassis Number
Finance