1957 Bentley S1 Continental Fastback by H. J. Mulliner

Chassis number: BC47CH

Registration number: 789UXW

Right-hand drive chassis number 'BC47CH' was ordered in April 1957 by John Irwin Esq of St James', London from Jack Barclay Ltd, Rolls-Royce and Bentley main dealers of Berkeley Square in London's exclusive Mayfair. The chassis was delivered to coachbuilders H J Mulliner on 24th June for the erection of a '2-door 4-light Continental Saloon to Drawing 7400', with specific instructions that 'all possible (be) done to reduce weight'.

Factory records confirm that power steering was specified from new. Mulliner's records confirm delivery to Rolls-Royce on 13th November 1957, and the car was delivered to Jack Barclay and the guarantee issued to John Irwin on the following day. The Continental remained in its first owner's possession until March 1960 when it passed to Farmer A Dark Services of London SW4.

In 1981 the Bentley was acquired for by Frank Cooke's celebrated 'Vintage Garage' collection in Massachusetts, USA. Its history in the intervening period is not known; however, it is known that the car was acquired as part settlement of a restoration account. Although of later manufacture than the typical car in Frank Cooke's collection, the Continental was a favourite, Frank driving it on the Nova Scotia Tour and attending the R-ROC Newport Meet in 2003, among other events and general use for pleasurable motoring.

When Bonhams sold the Frank Cooke Collection in September 2006, the Continental (Lot 1000) was bought by a Mr Leonard Vinville of London and shipped back to the UK. In 2009 the Bentley passed into the ownership of respected French collector, Jean-Marc Krief. The previous owner purchased the car via Frank Dale & Stepsons in May 2010. While in the his possession, the Continental has been maintained with no expense spared by Gordon Dale Enterprises Ltd, as evidenced by bills on file, the most recent of which is dated February 2014. Since then the car has been looked after again with no expense spared by Marque Speicailist Nigel Sandell.

Formerly registered '91 JGC' in the UK, this car enjoys the advantages of automatic transmission, the aforementioned power steering, and after-market air conditioning which is well & unobtrusively fitted. It is most attractively finished in Green livery, with the paint having been recently redone and is trimmed in maroon leather. There are veneer door cappings and dashboard detailing. Maroon carpets are fitted thoughout including to the boot where the original tool kit with a full set of tools nestles within its appointed box.

The current owner has a small but exclusive collection of cars all in impeccable condition. During his tenure the car has seen regular but sparing use. The car is fully serviced, wanting for nothing & is ready for its next chapter in life.

I have to stress how well sorted this car is & how beautifully it drives. We have several available right now so are good judges of the merits or the individual cars.



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