1955 | Bentley S 1 Continental DHC

1955 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupe by Park Ward.
Chassis number: BC7AF
Registration Number: VTU915
A stunning & very rare example; originally the brain child of legendary coachwork designer John Blatchley who had been involved in the styling of the R Type Continental by H.J. Mulliner. Six R Type Continental chassis were delivered to the Park Ward works, which 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 BCTAF was originally completed in October of 1955 and was just the fifth car built to Design No 700.
Initially retained as the trial car at the Rolls-Royce showroom in Conduit
Street in London. It was subsequently delivered to its first owner Mr S Norman of Ilford in Essex in October of 1958. It was purchased in July of 1961 by MR C Atkey of Nottinghamshire and the by Mr Lee of London in August of 1963. It was acquired by Bentley specialist P.J.Fischer in the early 1990's and subsequently restored and supplied by him to a customer based in Hong Kong. The car remained in the UK and was maintained by Fischer.
The car has had a massive retoration undertaken by Marque speciaists Padgett Engineering. Indeed bills from Padgett alone amount to some £148,577 pounds from 2006 though 2020. The works included but were not limited to an engine re-build, the fitting of an aluminum radiator, electronic ignition fitted, a gearbox overhaul, prop shaft and rear axle re-built and a complete brake re-build. The completed motor car is in excellent condition in every respect. It starts instantly & drives exactly as one of these ought.
A modern Air Conditioning compressor has been beautifully installed under the bonnet providing ice cold air from two traditional Rolls Royce style chrone vents controlled by organ stop push pulls. The system is set up on a rheostat type control allowing for cabin temperature to be exactly regulated to the perfect level of interior ambience desired.
Chassis No BC7AF is one of just fifty eight cars built to this design in right hand drive and is fast becoming one of the most sought after models in the post war Bentley era. It is complete with copy chassis cards, massive history file, air conditioning, complete tools, handbook and various spares for touring. The engine is smooth, silent & powerful with imperceptible gear changes. Under the bonnet the car is tidy & detailed to show standards.
Lowering the black mohair roof is a simple affair involving releasing a pair of latches & simply folding the hood back. It then stows under a thick leather hood bag secured in place with snap fasteners in the appropriate positions. When raised the car is uncannily quiet even at higher speeds & one might mistake it for being a saloon. All the finely figured burr walnut trim has been removed & refinished. The seats are upholstered in stone coloured leather which is done from particularly thick quality hides that have reached just the right patina & comfort levels.
Paint is two tone dark grey over light grey with a gold coachline between the two. It is in excellent order & presents very very well; a colour scheme that suits the car admirably. Carpets match the seats to the cabin & are black in the boot including a cover for the boot mounted spare wheel. A battery cut off switch is also found in the boot for periods where the car is not being used regularly.
Viewings may be arranged at our showroom by prior appointment.