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Details
1958 BENTLEY S1 CONTINENTAL
COACHWORK BY PARK WARD & Co. LTD.
Registration No. UYU 327
Chassis No. BC 21 EL
Engine No. BC 20 E
Green with green leather interior
Engine: six cylinder, overhead inlet valves, side exhaust, twin SU carburettors, 4,887cc; Gearbox: Hydramatic four speed automatic; Steering power-assisted; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension: independent by coil springs and wishbones to front: live axle with semi-elliptic springs to rear. Right hand drive.
The post war heyday of Bentley was with the Continental models, from their introduction in 1952, the combination of sporting performance and beautifully clothed chassis, making for the ultimate in long distance luxury touring. The name itself became synonymous with elegance, and would later be re-used by the marque, when emanating these models at the end of the 20th Century.
With the arrival in 1956 of the 4.9 litre S1, the final edition of Crewe's historic straight six, there came enhanced power - they never would tell just how much more although admitting to a 13 per cent increase - with the compression ratio increased, larger carburettors and inlet valves. There was a 'long' back axle ratio to hold engine revolutions down at high speed. Well-judged improvements to suspension, steering and braking ensured that performance and road manners kept pace. Later came Park Ward's supremely elegant and longer, slightly lower coachwork in both fixed and drophead form. As Bentley put it, 'The special lightweight body owes much to aircraft methods of construction'. Park Ward used advanced technology with special high duty alloys in the structure supporting the aluminum shell. The suave new shape was nearly twelve inches longer than before, yet with greater luggage space, optional electric windows, power steering, more elaborate climate control systems, the S1 Continental coupe weighed less than its predecessor.
This excellent example, BC 21 EL, was first delivered to P.G. Swiffen in March 1958. According to its old log book, in the early 1960s it was in silver livery and from 1966 resided in the Bournemouth area through four owners until the early 1970s. In 1973 it was purchased by Doctor Sidney Whitteridge of London and then Inverness, and remained in his ownership until 1994 when following his death it was sold publicly at auction. At the time it had languished in a lengthy period of storage, and was subsequently re-commissioned for the road at the behest of new owner Eddie Shah. The Continental passed to the present owner in 1996 when acquired at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club annual rally.
Upon acquisition by the current owner the car was committed to Jack Barclay for a thorough service and overhaul. This began a regular maintenance and revision of the car's condition, firstly at Jack Barclay and latterly noted Rolls-Royce and Bentley experts English Automotive, of West Molesley.
Over the last 8 years, work completed has included a respray to the present green livery, refurbishment of the bodywork, sills, and continued maintenance of the mechanical aspect, with the result that today the car is offered in very tidy and usable order. On file are bills in excess of £50,000, together with copies of old V5s, the old green log book and a current MOT.
COACHWORK BY PARK WARD & Co. LTD.
Registration No. UYU 327
Chassis No. BC 21 EL
Engine No. BC 20 E
Green with green leather interior
Engine: six cylinder, overhead inlet valves, side exhaust, twin SU carburettors, 4,887cc; Gearbox: Hydramatic four speed automatic; Steering power-assisted; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension: independent by coil springs and wishbones to front: live axle with semi-elliptic springs to rear. Right hand drive.
The post war heyday of Bentley was with the Continental models, from their introduction in 1952, the combination of sporting performance and beautifully clothed chassis, making for the ultimate in long distance luxury touring. The name itself became synonymous with elegance, and would later be re-used by the marque, when emanating these models at the end of the 20th Century.
With the arrival in 1956 of the 4.9 litre S1, the final edition of Crewe's historic straight six, there came enhanced power - they never would tell just how much more although admitting to a 13 per cent increase - with the compression ratio increased, larger carburettors and inlet valves. There was a 'long' back axle ratio to hold engine revolutions down at high speed. Well-judged improvements to suspension, steering and braking ensured that performance and road manners kept pace. Later came Park Ward's supremely elegant and longer, slightly lower coachwork in both fixed and drophead form. As Bentley put it, 'The special lightweight body owes much to aircraft methods of construction'. Park Ward used advanced technology with special high duty alloys in the structure supporting the aluminum shell. The suave new shape was nearly twelve inches longer than before, yet with greater luggage space, optional electric windows, power steering, more elaborate climate control systems, the S1 Continental coupe weighed less than its predecessor.
This excellent example, BC 21 EL, was first delivered to P.G. Swiffen in March 1958. According to its old log book, in the early 1960s it was in silver livery and from 1966 resided in the Bournemouth area through four owners until the early 1970s. In 1973 it was purchased by Doctor Sidney Whitteridge of London and then Inverness, and remained in his ownership until 1994 when following his death it was sold publicly at auction. At the time it had languished in a lengthy period of storage, and was subsequently re-commissioned for the road at the behest of new owner Eddie Shah. The Continental passed to the present owner in 1996 when acquired at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club annual rally.
Upon acquisition by the current owner the car was committed to Jack Barclay for a thorough service and overhaul. This began a regular maintenance and revision of the car's condition, firstly at Jack Barclay and latterly noted Rolls-Royce and Bentley experts English Automotive, of West Molesley.
Over the last 8 years, work completed has included a respray to the present green livery, refurbishment of the bodywork, sills, and continued maintenance of the mechanical aspect, with the result that today the car is offered in very tidy and usable order. On file are bills in excess of £50,000, together with copies of old V5s, the old green log book and a current MOT.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis