Lot 284 - 1958 12858 S1 Standard Steel Saloon
| Lot Number | 284 |
| Registration | 536 YUM |
| Chassis Number | B139FD |
| Engine Number | BF394 |
| Odometer reading | 35,516 miles |
| Estimate | £16,000 - £20,000 |
| Result | Sold - £19,152 |
Successor to the R-Type, the Bentley S1 was introduced in 1955
with a whole new chassis; the car's wheelbase had been extended
three inches to 123 inches, and the luggage compartment was
expanded. The S1 had softer suspension than the R-Type, with
electrically-controlled rear shock absorbers. Brakes had been
improved, and the steering was lighter, even more so after 1957
with optional power assisted steering. This model marked the final
integration of Bentley with Rolls-Royce - the standard saloons were
now entirely alike, but for grills and badging. The engine was
Rolls' 4887cc F-head six, in its final configuration before the
introduction of V8 power in 1959. Twin SU HD6 side carburettors
were used on for the first two years then SU HD8s from 1957 and the
four-speed Rolls-Royce-built Hydra-Matic gearbox was now standard.
Manual gearboxes were supplied only to special order. With the
introduction of the aluminium 6230cc V8 engine in 1959, the S1
Bentley became the S2, and the corresponding Rolls-Royce was
renamed Silver Cloud II. The British magazine The Motor reported a
top speed of 103 mph and 0-60 acceleration of 13.1 seconds from a
short-wheelbase S1 in 1957.
This model was supplied new to Northern Roadways Ltd by the
Rolls-Royce agents to Scotland Clyde Automobiles, Gasgow where it
remained for some time. In the 1970's this 1958 Bentley S1 went to
the United States where it ended up in New York being purchased by
the last owner in 1993, returning the Bentley S1 to the United
Kingdom in the same year he replaced the headlining and carpets and
registered the car with his own personal number plate. This owner
used the car sparingly, using it mainly to attend horse race
meetings around the south of England. This Bentley is finished in
the original colour scheme of sage green over smoke green with
green Connolly hide interior and green West of England cloth
headlining and is supplied with a V5C registration document, a
current MoT test certificate and a copy of the build sheets from
the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.