RESERVE LOWERED - 1958 Bentley S LWB
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Guide price: £24,000- £28,000
Highlights
・1 of 23 Standard Steel Bentley S LWB
・An extremely attractive and sound specimen
・Factory-fitted power steering
・Repatriated from Los Angeles California
*The images in this listing have been provided directly from the seller.*
The Background
Produced from 1955 until 1959, the S was the Bentley derivative of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, being mechanically and bodily identical, apart from badging, grill and gauges. Initially referred to as the S (until the launch of the V8 S2), the S/Cloud model would be the last Bentley/Rolls Royce to be built with an independant chassis.
A total of just 23 long wheelbase (LWB) Bentley S’ were built with Standard Steel bodies and 12 with coach built, making this an exceedingly rare car indeed. The phrase Standard Steel is a little confusing, because the bonnet, doors and boot lid are aluminium but it separates the model from Coach Built cars. Both long and short wheelbase versions were powered by the same 4.9-litre inline-six engine, which was shared with the Silver Cloud and could trace its history back to the Rolls-Royce 20 of 1922.
The LWB S came with a number of desirable options available to buyers. A retracting rear privacy glass was a popular fit, along with the power-assisted steering, which makes driving a car of this size far easier on the tight streets of the city.
The History
Chassis number ALB 9 was repatriated, by the vendor, from sunny California late in 2019, having sourced the vehicle through a friend. One of just 23 Standard Steel LWB cars, the vehicle has undergone a full re-commissioning process since arriving on UK shores, and as a result is now ready for the next owner to drive away.
Finished in the delightful shade of Sage Green over a light tan leatherette / ‘West of England’ cloth interior, it is clear that this example has been well cared for in the USA and benefited from a full professional repaint into the Sage Green you see before you.
There are a few estimates regarding the survival rate of these LWB vehicles, with some estimates saying only 4-5 are left in a roadworthy condition. Regardless, there is no denying that this is a very rare Bentley indeed!
The Paperwork
Present with the vehicle is the UK V5 document which was issued on 08 January 2021, the original factory build records, a mint copy of the Bentley S owners manual, a pristine copy of the original Bentley S sales brochure and a copy of the USA title. The original Factory build sheet shows that the car was supplied to W & C French Ltd of Loughton, Essex on the 10th March 1958.
The Interior
The interior of this 1958 Bentley S is nicely patinated and has clearly been re-upholstered during its lifetime, because, as nice as sunny may be, it is not upholsteries best friend.
Up front, the light tan-coloured leatherette is in very good condition, with no rips, tears or deep creases to the material. It would appear that there are a few very minor scuff marks to the leatherette on the outside edge of the driver’s seat, though these are of no great consequence. The door cards are in excellent condition, again with a few minor scuffs due to people getting in and out of the vehicle.
In the rear, the West of England cloth seats appear to be unmarked, save for a small mark to the lower offside edge of the bench seat which can be seen in the photographs. The wood trim is also in excellent shape, with no signs of cracking or damage that we can see. The fold down writing/picnic tables are in excellent order, the rear heater controls are working and the fixed, individual foot rests are still in place. The vendor notes that the privacy screen mechanism is not currently working, though they can hear the motor solenoid activating when the operating switch is depressed.
The Exterior
The bodywork and Sage Green paintwork looks to be in pretty fair condition, thanks largely to being imported from the Sunshine State of California. While the paintwork is known not to be original, it presents remarkably well with a deep gloss shine and no damage beyond the usual minor wear-and-tear marks.
The extensive use of chrome on this 62 year-old Bentley sets it apart from other less luxurious vehicles, and we’re pleased to say that the chrome bumpers, grille and other detailing on the vehicle look to be in pretty good order but there are signs of pitting on the rear bumper and a few touch parking dents in the front overriders. However, the image of the Flying B reflected in the grille, demonstrates the superb quality of 1950’s chrome.
The stainless steel hubcaps are in good shape and retain a decent shine, though there are a few age related marks to be seen.
The vendor, an RREC member, has included a couple of images of the vehicle when it was in Los Angeles.
The vendor, an RREC member, has included a couple of images of the vehicle when it was in Los Angeles.
The Mechanicals
As part of the import and re-commissioning process of the vehicle, this Bentley S LWB has been subject to a thorough once-over, with any required work being carried out.
During this process the front and rear brakes have been overhauled including both brake master cylinders, the power steering ram has been refurbished, a new battery has been fitted, and a thorough service has been carried out. Included in this service were a set of new twin points, new spark plugs, an oil and filter change, new power steering belt, new anti-roll bar drop links and bushes, a full electric check-over, new door seals, new wiper arms and blades and a new battery. The central lubrication system was also tested and primed for peace of mind. The highly desirable power steering option fitted to the vehicle is working perfectly, having benefited from a new drive belt and overhauled power ram.
Underneath the bonnet the engine bay is painted in an ivory / off-white colour, which was standard from the factory, no matter what the body colour. The engine bay itself presents well for its age, with no signs of any major leaks, problems or misting that we can see.
The motorcar has also been equipped with new door seals all round.
The motorcar has also been equipped with new door seals all round.
The result of all the aforementioned work is that this 1958 Bentley S starts on the button, idles well and runs “beautifully” according to the vendor.
The seller is also kindly including a brand new fuel sender unit worth £218 in the sale, along with a 250ml tin of colour matched touch-up paint.
The seller is also kindly including a brand new fuel sender unit worth £218 in the sale, along with a 250ml tin of colour matched touch-up paint.
The Appeal
If you’re into classic luxury motor cars from the post-war era, it’s hard not to see the appeal here. Offered here is a 1958 Bentley S LWB - in itself an exceedingly rare car with the Standard Steel bodywork - in rude health and looking quite beautiful in its Sage Green livery.
There’s also the peace-of-mind from the recent overhaul and re-commissioning process, meaning this LWB should, once again, be ready to cruise the roads of England, either as part of a collection, a special occasion vehicle or perhaps an ideal car for the chauffeur driven private hire industry.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1958
- Make Bentley
- Model S LWB
- Colour Green
- Odometer 96,818 Miles
- Engine size 4887
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
14
bids
from 9
bidders
- Po•••• £25,000 28/05/21
- Po•••• £24,159 27/05/21
- gr•••• £19,000 27/05/21
- fu•••• £18,000 24/05/21
- Ni•••• £17,750 23/05/21
- Ri•••• £17,500 22/05/21
- fu•••• £17,000 22/05/21
- An•••• £16,000 22/05/21
- Wo•••• £15,250 20/05/21
- Jo•••• £15,000 20/05/21
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