Bentley S.1 Drophead / Honeymoon - Anthony Steel

[SS427 Camaro]

This is the Late actor Anthony Steel in the film HoneyMoon, which was shot in Spain and released in March 1959

Big fan of the S.1 / S.2 / S.3 Bentley, but I have never seen a “ Continental “ drophead version in the flesh and know very little about them. Cant have been many Bentleys in particular built. I think the body is by Park Ward.
Perhaps this one belonged to Powell the film’s director.

Guessing that this car is an S.1 ? As the S.2 ( with the new V-8 engine ) wasn’t launched until 1959, but it’s plate 600 CWB, a Sheffield issue, is listed as being on another car.

Anyone on here know much about these Bentleys ?

Edited by SS427 Camaro on Wednesday 13th October 16:45

Edited by SS427 Camaro on Wednesday 13th October 16:54

Edited by SS427 Camaro on Wednesday 13th October 16:59

Edited by SS427 Camaro on Wednesday 13th October 17:00

[SS427 Camaro]

[SS427 Camaro]

[SS427 Camaro]

[TarquinMX5]

I think it's actually registered 600 CMB. That car, 600CMB is pictured in one of my old Bentley books outside Frank Dale & Stepsons, (I would guess in 1960s or early 70s looking at photo), however, it's listed as an S2 Continental by Mulliner. I'm sure it's the same car, lights, colour scheme etc all match. The centre 'M' on the registration plate is very low down, as is the rear view shot of yours.

Interestingly, CMB was issued Feb 1958 -May 1958, which would make it an S1 Continental, as you say. The book is an old one and a useful reference but in this case I think they've dated it incorrectly as a 1961 car. If the film came out in 1959, that fits with being registered in 1958 but in the book's defence, it actually states that it's very difficult to distinguish S1 from S2 by just looking at the exterior.

It's difficult to give much info really because so many of these old chassis cars were coachbuilt by numerous companies in the 50s/early 60s that there are many differences bodily. At the moment, I can't find any production figures.

Edited by TarquinMX5 on Wednesday 13th October 17:19

[TarquinMX5]

[TarquinMX5]

The engine in the Continental was higher compression, different cylinder head, higher diff ratio, std power steering (optional on 'std steel saloon' , max mph 124mph (fhc) v 106mph for std saloon. 4-speed manual still an option.

Park Ward only built 3 drop heads but I can't find figures for Mulliner. 431 Continentals (of all types/coachbuilders) built in total, 3,044 std steel saloon S1s.

[P5BNij]

Not a drop head, but on the way home from work this afternoon I spotted a gorgeous two tone red over silver S1 Saloon outside our local bodyshop, it oozed grace and glamour just sitting still. I've seen it several times there, it often goes in for paintwork jobs.

[SS427 Camaro]

TarquinMX5 said:

I think it's actually registered 600 CMB. That car, 600CMB is pictured in one of my old Bentley books outside Frank Dale & Stepsons, (I would guess in 1960s or early 70s looking at photo), however, it's listed as an S2 Continental by Mulliner. I'm sure it's the same car, lights, colour scheme etc all match. The centre 'M' on the registration plate is very low down, as is the rear view shot of yours.

Interestingly, CMB was issued Feb 1958 -May 1958, which would make it an S1 Continental, as you say. The book is an old one and a useful reference but in this case I think they've dated it incorrectly as a 1961 car. If the film came out in 1959, that fits with being registered in 1958 but in the book's defence, it actually states that it's very difficult to distinguish S1 from S2 by just looking at the exterior.

It's difficult to give much info really because so many of these old chassis cars were coachbuilt by numerous companies in the 50s/early 60s that there are many differences bodily. At the moment, I can't find any production figures.

Edited by TarquinMX5 on Wednesday 13th October 17:19

Thanks, that’s really interesting ! And yes, on looking @ it again it’s 600 CMB and not WB
600 CMB is registered to a Mercedes, so I am guessing this Bentley had a personal plate put on it ?

If I could get the cars Chassis number, that would reveal so much more about it !

I’ve checked where CMB was issued and its Cheshire ( ££ wealth )

Guessing Dales had the car in as stock, I well recall their adverts in Motor Sport ( a dear Late friend called them “ That robbing bunch of B.......” )

Edited by SS427 Camaro on Wednesday 13th October 22:10

[Riley Blue]

TarquinMX5 said:

It wasn't designed to be seen with the hood up, was it?

[SS427 Camaro]

Riley Blue said:

It wasn't designed to be seen with the hood up, was it?

My thoughts too, that hood is a bulky affair !