1956 Bentley S1 Saloon

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire 30000 - 35000 Registration No: OSF 666 Chassis No: B426CK MOT: Exempt � Subject to a bare metal bodywork restoration and repaint in Mason�s Black over a complementing shade of Plumb � Original handbook and a complete Bentley tool-kit In current ownership by a Rolls Royce and Bentley specialist since 2014 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. First registered in Edinburgh, Scotland, this 1956 Bentley S1 has resided in its current ownership, by a Rolls Royce and Bentley specialist, since 2014. In that period of ownership the �OSF 666� has benefitted from attention to the body and the mechanicals. The S1 currently displays a mileage of 69,500 credible miles (at the time of consignment). First to note is the bare metal bodywork restoration and repaint in Mason�s Black over a complementing shade of Plumb. As part of the restoration work, the S1 was given new boot and door seals. Inside, the contribution of the wood to the Bentley�s luxury was brought back by attention being paid to replacing the veneer, door cappings and the dashboard fascia. Mechanical fettling has been carried out in a number of areas in the current ownership, including a full service. To support the car�s longevity, the S1 also benefits from a stainless steel exhaust and stainless steel bumpers and wheel trims. Offered with a current V5C, an original handbook and a complete Bentley tool-kit accompanies this well-presented S1.