Story and History

1956 Bentley S1 by James Young

James Young of Bromley, owned by Jack Barclay Ltd, produced some of the most elegant post war bodies for Rolls-Royce and Bentley, and design number B20 as on this example is no disappointment

Created on chassis B283AP and from James Young works number 3016 at a final cost of �6.956, no wonder the original owner (a Mr Lewis) who commissioned these works kept her until the late 1960's and utilised James Young for routine maintenance and servicing works during his long period of ownership

A previous owner, to whom we have spoken, confirms the conversion to DHC specification was carried out in the late 1960's / early 1970's

He was speaking about some spare parts for the S1 and upon description of the car, the specialist, astounded, announced that he knew the car well. Our owner asked why, and the specialist responded with the stunning revelation "that his father had carried out the conversion himself!!!"

Completed in regal red coachwork and magnolia hide interior, piped in red and finished with a smart black mohair power hood

The windows were electrified too and, importantly, she also has automatic transmission

The restoration work has stood the test of time remarkably well and the quality of works were obviously to a very high standard

There are one or two comforting areas of patination, a chip touched in here or there to the paintwork and some light signs of usage to the drivers seat squab whilst in more recent times the wood veneers have been removed and re-polished to a high standard, a period radio fitted with modern internals giving FM & MW radio reception together with an i.Pod connector to the cubby, in front of the driver

The most recent owner (who has 3 1950 Continental's including an 'R' Type amongst his collection - interestingly our previous owner, with whom we have spoken - as above - also had an 'R' type Continental in long term ownership) has entrusted renowned engineers Padgett's to ensure she runs as well as she looks - bills for over �10.000 from last year come in the history file

We can verify that this is the case having driven her back to Kensington from Lincolnshire without fuss and in great comfort

Superb looks, elegant motoring and exceedingly rare with a wonderful James Young, coachbuilt, provenance