Car & Classic Premium Auctioneer

Bonhams

101 New Bond Street London

W1S 1SR

1955 BENTLEY S-TYPE CONTINENTAL SPORTS SALOON For Sale by Auction

Bonhams are delighted to offer at our forthcoming Collectors' Motor Car Auction on Friday 30th June at The Goodwood Festival of Speed, Chichester. The full online catalogue can be viewed at - details above

1955 BENTLEY S-TYPE CONTINENTAL SPORTS SALOON
COACHWORK BY PARK WARD LTD.
REGISTRATION NO. JRN 777
CHASSIS NO. BC24AF
* One of only 45 right-hand drive cars built to * Design No. 701
* Extensively restored in the 1990s
* Exceptionally well documented
* Previous class winner at the Louis Vuitton Concours

£240, 000 - 280, 000
€280, 000 - 320, 000

Described by The Autocar as, 'A new stage in the evolution of the post-war Bentley,' the magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction on the R-Type chassis in 1952. With the arrival of the final generation of six-cylinder cars, the all-new Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type, the Continental lost some of its individuality but none of its exclusivity. Eulogising about Bentley's new 'S' Series cars, introduced in April 1955, The Autocar wrote, 'the latest Bentley model offers a degree of safety, comfort and performance that is beyond the experience and perhaps even the imagination of the majority of the world's motorists.'

Later, in October that same year, the Bentley Continental became available on the 'S' chassis. 'It brings Bentley back to the forefront of the world's fastest cars,' Autocar said of the H J Mulliner-styled fastback, which was the quickest four/ five-seater saloon of its day. The Bentley S-Type's new box-section chassis incorporated improved brakes and suspension and an enlarged (to 4, 887cc) and more powerful version of the existing inlet-over-exhaust six-cylinder engine, which for the first time was identical in specification in its Rolls and Bentley forms. The Continental version came with shorter radiator and higher gearing and, for a time at least, could be ordered with right-hand change manual transmission. As had been the case with the original R-Type, the new S-Type Continental was only ever available as a coachbuilt car; the designs produced by independent coachbuilders for the S1 Continental chassis being among era's the most stylish.

Of the 431 Bentley S1 Continentals produced between 1955 and 1959, 185 were bodied by Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder, Park Ward Ltd, of which 122 were right-hand drive like this example. Built in 1956, 'BC24AF' carries Park Ward's two-door saloon coachwork to Design No. 701, the latter being the work of legendary designer John Blatchley, who had been largely responsible for styling H J Mulliner's original Continental on the R-Type chassis. 'BC24AF' is fitted with the later (arguably more attractive) rear lights, which were incorporated when the rear fins were professionally removed during restoration by P J Fischer of Putney, London SW15, the renowned Bentley specialist. Built to Design No. 872, later variants have a wraparound rear window and narrower 'C' posts, and generally are considered less attractive than the earlier version.

'BC24AF' was originally finished in silver/ green with green interior trim, and was first owned by M L Marsh, Esq of Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire. Accompanying correspondence from Rolls-Royce reveals that the last time the factory saw the Continental was in July 1960 when it received a 10, 000-mile service (at 70, 882 miles) while still owned by Marsh. This letter also states that in June 1964 a service exchange engine and gearbox were supplied, though they were not installed by the factory.

The next known owner was Mr Martin C Zanger of Holyoke, Massachusetts, who purchased the Bentley via Paddon Brothers Ltd of London SW7 in July 1968 and had it shipped to his home in the USA. Paddon Bros continued to supply Mr Zanger with parts for his Bentley, which was serviced by local specialists in Holyoke (bills on file).

Mr Zanger died in 1986 and in 1988 the car was sold by his widow, Marilyn. The Bentley then passed to the aforementioned P J Fischer. In a letter on file to Fischer, Mrs Zanger states that the car was kept in a heated garage, covered, and had never been driven on salted roads in winter. The Bentley was registered to Fischer's Northumberland Garage on 20th March 1991.

During 1992 and 1993, 'BC24AF' was comprehensively restored by Fischer to a very high standard, including a bare metal re-paint and an interior re-trim. This Continental has also been fitted with power steering and air conditioning, the latter being beautifully incorporated into the walnut dashboard. The accompanying extensive history file contains full details of the restoration.

The car's next private owner was a Mr R L Wadsworth of West Molesey, Surrey, who owned the Bentley from February 1993 to September 1998. Servicing and maintenance during Mr Wadsworth's ownership was carried out by Douglas Daniels Ltd of Bletchingley, Surrey, including a gearbox rebuild towards the end of 1996 (bills on file).

The owner from 1998 was Mr Donald Reedman of Focus Music, London W1. Issued by P J Fischer and A&S Engineering of Alton, Hampshire, invoices show that the Bentley continued to be fastidiously maintained, with A&S carrying out a most extensive mechanical restoration in 1999. In December 2003, ownership passed to Mr Hugh Guest of Stoke St Mary, Somerset, who continued to have the car maintained by A&S Engineering. In December 2008, marque specialists Frank Dale & Stepsons sold 'BC24AF' to the present owner.

One of only 45 right-hand drive S1 Continentals cars built to Design No. 701, 'BC24AF' comes complete with its original handbook; a complete set of tools; and an extensive history file documenting works carried out since the early 1960s. The file contains a quantity of MoT certificates dating back to 1990; numerous old tax discs; copies of the Massachusetts Certificate of Title and old V5 registration documents; and an original Park Ward coachwork care instruction book. This has to be one of the very best S1 Continentals currently available.

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

1985 Bentley Continental Convertible. Vin Number: SCBZD0009FCH09440 Registration Number: B107FGTa Rare & beautiful. This is one of the first cars built to continental specification after the Corniche name was dropped for these convertible Bentleys. Moreover it was the Birmingham Motor Show car for Rolls Royce ...

75,000
18 Mar 2024
Northamptonshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

A mechanically sound non injected original mulsanne which I restored 20 years ago but needs some attention to the paintwork and interior seats and trim to bring her back to a nice condition. It has been been SORN for quite a few years but was being started from time to time to run the suspension up and keep it lubricated ...

180,000
2 Mar 2024
Kent
Private

The Bentley Continental GT launched in 2002 at the Paris Motor Show, followed by Le Mans, the 2003 Goodwood Festival of Speed and the 2003 annual Bentley Drivers Club meeting at Silverstone. It is known as one of the most important Bentleys ever produced, and immediately received a good deal of critical acclaim. Powered ...

53,000
17 Mar 2024
Oxfordshire

Highlights * Very rare Corniche II-based Bentley Continental  * Very low mileage, beautifully presented car  * Fully documented and extensive history file  * MOT to August 2024 with no advisories  * Bespoke interior including crystal decanters * Silver veneer inlay * Incredible specification * Possibly the ...

47,000
27 Mar 2024
Cheshire
Private
32
Picture of 1997 Bentley Continental T (LHD) - For Sale

Incredible find! Just under 23,800 miles from new One of only 217 left hand drive Continental T’s built world wide Special order Carmine Red with two-tone St. James Red and Black interior Engine turned dashboard Complete with copies of factory records and lengthy service history The fastest Bentley available in ...

23,800
12 Mar 2024
London
Premium Verified Dealer (see stock)
20
Picture of 1998 Bentley Continental R - For Sale

Finished in Red Pearl Mica metallic, trimmed in Magnolia hide with contrasting red secondary detailing and red carpets. The interior colour scheme is complimented well by the traditional Burr Walnut veneered fascia. RR&B Garages have known this car since 2009 and supplied to the current owner in 2011. It has an excellent ...

52,500
11 Mar 2024
Worcestershire
Premium Dealer (see stock)

1996 Bentley Brooklands, metallic Sherwood Green, only 45,000 miles from new, extended wood trim, Avon whitewall tyres, drives like new lovely car priced for quick sale, service history and MOT November 2024, Everything works and has intermittent airbag light Having Email problems please only call or msg on here sorry<br><br>Nice ...

45,000
27 Feb 2024
Essex
Private

This Bentley Turbo RT at 38992 miles must be one of the lowest mileage examples in the country, having covered on average a little over 1400 chauffer driven miles per year. It was first registered on the 16/10/1997 and has been with the current owner from new. The condition is immaculate inside and out, having been garaged ...

38,992
27 Feb 2024
Oxfordshire
Private

Bentley Continental Gtc 6.0 Mulliner Driving Specification, Possibly the best example around for age, spec, condition and price. Later Model 63 reg, 21 " 6 Double Spoke Alloy Wheels in Black With Diamond Turned Finish , Message seats . Most Sought after Colour Combination, Onyx Black with Linen Quilted Leather Interior ...

34,240
13 Feb 2024
Hampshire
Private

1996 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R COUPÉ Registration No: M800MES Chassis No: SCBZB15C3TCH53086 An immaculate low mileage coupe from a private collection. This car has covered just 46,500 miles from new & comes to us with a massive service history. Indeed the last service done by Bentley Berkshire in February of this ...

48,500
11 Mar 2024
Northamptonshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Bentley Eight 6.75L in Vermilion Red with Parchment leather with red piping. This lovely car was owned by my father who unfortunately passed away 2 years ago, he purchased this car in 2013 from a private collector and my father kept it alongside his other classic cars. I have driven it on many occasions alongside ...

72,000
19 Mar 2024
Lancashire
Private

For collectors of automotive masterpieces! Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone days with this rare gem of automotive history. This Bentley S3 Continental DHC ,a true icon of luxury and sophistication is seeking a new owner who appreciates the beauty and style of this timeless classic. With only a few examples ...

47,129
17 Feb 2024
Spain
Private

This Bentley Park Ward Drophead B.5.GT was ordered on for Mrs. M.C Byrne from Birmingham through P.J Evans. The Chassis was built on April 1950 and delivered to Park Ward in Willesden London where the drophead body was made and fitted. The car was completed in July 1950. Painted in Metallic Grey with Grey Leather ...

74,000
7 Mar 2024
Sussex
Private

Rare Coloured Bentley Turbo R, 6.75 litre (1988 Model) Garaged most of its life. AUTOMATIC, Only 72,000 miles from new. The car has been in Hong Kong (in a hot country) for many years. It has extensive service history from 'Rolls Royce & Bentley Specialist Nigel Sandall" with invoices adding to thousands of pounds - many ...

72,000
25 Feb 2024
Tyne and Wear
Private

NO CANVASSERS 2002 Bentley Arnage R Auto Emerald Black Green/Cream interior 89000 miles FSH Main dealer/Specialist Had a £5k service approx 2000 miles ago Recent tyres Upgraded Sat/Nav/Bluetooth with DVD screens in rear headrests Really nice car that I’ve used for high days, replacement forces sale. I will ...

89,000
17 Feb 2024
Yorkshire
Private