1958 Bentley S1 Saloon

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire 18000 - 22000 Registration No: FHC 434 Chassis No: B381FD MOT: Exempt Current ownership since 2009Fitted with a reconditioned gearbox in 2015 at the cost of �6,900Repainted in a similar shade to AML Silver Birch in 2017Offered with a collection of invoices and old MOT certificatesOriginal Bentley handbook and tool kits The Bentley S1 was unveiled in April 1955. A very different car from its predecessors, it was longer and wider and based on a much stiffer chassis. Though the traditional body-on-chassis construction facilitated the manufacture of special-bodied versions, most were delivered with the standard offering produced by Pressed Steel Ltd, featuring alloy doors, bonnet and boot lid. Powered by the final iteration of the company's venerable 4.9-litre straight six engine featuring revised cylinder-head porting, power was quoted at 178bhp. As standard, the unit drove through a four-speed automatic gearbox with steering column control. Suspension was independent at the front by wishbones and coil springs and employed a leaf-spring mounted live axle at the rear. Braking was by drums all round. A total of 3,107 examples were produced between 1955 and 1959. Beginning life in 1958, �FHC� was built for Yardley & Co, with a copy of the build card on file. In 2004 it was repatriated from the USA after residing there for many years. Finished in Silver with complementing Red leather the Bentley features power steering as well as automatic transmission. Current ownership has endured since 2009, having been purchased from ourselves that year, then repainted White. �FHC� has benefitted from attention to the mechanicals and bodywork over the years. A stainless steel exhaust was fitted in 2014 and a reconditioned gearbox in 2015 at the cost of �6,900. The brakes were the subject of an overhaul in 2015. Repainted in a shade that appears similar to Aston Martin�s Silver Birch in 2017, �FHC� had a number of panels replaced as part of the repaint. Additionally, in 2017 the Bentley benefitted from a set of new front carpets and new tyres all round. However, with little use in the last 5 years, �FHC� is now available for a new custodian to enjoy. Offered with a collection of invoices and old MOT certificates, original Bentley handbook, tool kit and V5c document.