Beschreibung:

1959 BENTLEY S1 CONTINENTAL FASTBACK COACHWORK BY H.J. MULLINER Registration No. VYW 667 Chassis No. BC30.FM Engine No. BC29.F Maroon with beige leather upholstery and interior Engine: six cylinders in-line, overhead inlet valves, side exhaust, twin SU carburettors, 4,887cc; Gearbox: Hydramatic 4-speed automatic; Steering: power assisted; Suspension: independent by coil-springs and wishbones to front, live axle and semi-elliptic springs to rear; Brakes: four-wheel hydraulic drums. Right-hand drive. The introduction of the S1 model in 1956 was hailed as a great revolution and the motoring press were quick to acclaim its virtues as "Offering a degree of safety comfort and performance that is beyond the experience and imagination of the world's motorists which rode as a magic carpet annihilating great distances" . Perhaps erring a little too much to the flight of fancy, yet it certainly was a huge improvement on the previous range from the Crewe factory and which indeed provided a degree of comfort and elegance, with vastly increased performance and roadholding. The further enhancement to the range of the Two-door Continental with its flamboyant and sporting styling design and 120 mph top speed gave the British company something to rival its competitors across the Channel with a true Gran Turismo motor car in the grand manner in every sense. The interior was fitted out in the style to which Bentley afficionados were accustomed and indeed expected, having sumptuous Connolly leather interior, beautifully crafted woodwork with polished veneers, and accessories and fitments to match. The coachwork styling by H.J. Mulliner has in the opinion of many, never been surpassed on a Bentley and certainly stands the test of time as an outstanding landmark in fashionable and functional design. This car was retailed to its first owner through the London Agents Jack Barclays to a Mr. Dracoulis, whose Company address in Leadenhall Street EC3 was registered on 10th January 1959. The factory build sheets show a change of ownership in 1961 to B.P. Jenks Esq., of Astbury Hall in Bridgnorth, whom it is believed was a director of the Fry's Chocolate Company. The car has remained in the West Midlands or 'Black Country' ever since, having two further changes of custodian, the most recent family ownership extending over a period of some 30 years. During this time the car has been continuously maintained and serviced by local agents HR Owen Ltd, and the car has recently been serviced and MoT tested, although in latter years it has spent little time on the road: indeed for several years it was "garaged" in the well-known museum collection of the late Bob Roberts Midland Motor Museum which collection was dispersed a few years ago, following the death of its founder. The car has continued to be annually serviced and tested, but had been driven only local distances to the occasional show or minor motoring event. The current odometer reading is approximately 109,000 miles, which is believed to be correct. Resprayed in its maroon livery a few years ago, the upholstery has at some time been 'Connolised', and whilst the wood trim and panelling is still bright and well polished the carpets and interior, which are the originals, show signs of age and wear. Mechanically the car starts and runs well, but may benefit from a comprehensive service prior to more extensive road use. The car has an efficient radio and has been carefully fitted with an immobiliser for insurance purposes, which is discreetly hidden below the fascia. The original tool kit is still contained in its original drawer, and indeed appears hardly to have had any use! A testament to trouble-free motoring perhaps. With just four owners from new the history and provenance of this car is easy to follow and should provide the new owner with practical and eye-catching stylish transport for the foreseeable future.