Classic Sports Car Classifieds

Year :  1955
Make :  Bentley
Model :  S1 Continental
Coachbuilder :  Park Ward
Body Type :  Coupe
Colour :  Shell Grey over Tudor Grey
Trim :  Red Leather

History :  The success of the R Type Continental between 1952 and 1955 lead to the creation of the S1 Continental chassis, which was released in April of 1955. For the first time Bentley enthusiasts had a greater choice of coachwork designs to choose from with H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward responsible for bodying the majority of the 431 S1 Continentals produced. The Park Ward fixed head coupe was originally the brain child of legendary coachwork designer John Blatchley who had been largely responsible for the styling of the R Type Continental by H.J. Mulliner. Six R Type Continental chassis were delivered to the Park Ward works who were then owned by Rolls-Royce. Blatchley was given the task of styling the four drophead coupes and the two further fixed head coupes on the R Type Continental chassis, a design which was later slightly adapted for the marginally longer S1 Continental chassis. Chassis No BC10AF which we are currently offering for sale is the very first of just sixty six right hand drive all aluminium bodied fixed head two door coupes bodied by Park Ward on the S1 Continental chassis. It is fitted with the arguably more attractive smaller rear windshield, with larger C posts, giving the motor car a more attractive side profile and overall appearance than the later “wrap around rear window” variants. It is complete with all of its tools and is also fitted with a webasto sliding sunshine roof, making it ideal for summer motoring. This particular example was sold in October of 1955, supplied by Woodham Bros Ltd in Southampton to its first owner Mr W. Lutyens of Petersfield, originally finished in silver with a grey leather interior. It changed hands in 1958 and then again in 1964 and was first encountered by Frank Dale & Stepsons approximately ten years ago when purchased and subsequently supplied to a customer on the continent. Since this time BC10AF has taken part in a number of high profile motoring events and concours all over Europe, being driven and enjoyed by the careful owner. The history records date back to the early 1970’s when the car was largely maintained by Arnetts of Bournemouth, a Rolls-Royce main agent at the time. The car has more recently enjoyed correct maintenance to ensure excellent performance and reliability for the owner. It will also be serviced and thoroughly tested prior to collection/delivery as per our normal policy. Now finished in the striking colour scheme of shell over Tudor grey with red leather interior BC10AF would make an ideal addition to any collection and will provide the next fortunate owner with a great deal of motoring pleasure.

Condition :  Good condition throughout.
Technical Data :  Four speed automatic gearbox, 6 cylinder in-line configuration engine, 4.9 litres displacement, 4887cc capacity. Drum brakes servo-assisted.

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