1959 Bentley S1

Proudly presenting this incredibly stunning 1959 Bentley S1 Continental 4-light sedan Flying Spur. Finished in dark blue (midnight non-metallic blue) with light tan Connolly hides. An absolutely show-winning car in every respect.



In the spring of 1955, Rolls-Royce and Bentley announced the arrival of a new range of two virtually identical models respectively known as the Silver Cloud and S-Series (also referred to as S-Type or later, S1). The new models culminated the efforts to standardize the line that began with the Silver Dawn and R-Type. Standard Steel Saloon was now firmly entrenched in regular Rolls-Royce parlance, with the factory and clients now used to the idea of full, factory-built cars. In terms of styling and mechanical makeup, the standard saloons of Bentley and Rolls-Royce were virtually identical, with only subtle detail differences between the two. Power came from a 4.9-liter inline-six derived from the high-performance R-Type Continental. Given the success of that car, management decided that a hotter version of the new chassis should join the new range, and development began in earnest.



Given Bentleys sporting history, the new high-performance variant would be a Bentley-only offering, bearing the famous Continental name. Plans called for the Continental to be sold ex-works as a chassis only, with three official catalog body styles available. Standard bodies included a two-door saloon by H.J. Mulliner and a Park Ward two-door saloon with corresponding drophead coupe. In 1957, one of the most important developments of the Continental series arrived with the introduction of a four-door sports saloon, courtesy of the drawing boards of H.J. Mulliner. Officially known as Design 7443, its more evocative Flying Spur moniker drew from the family crest of Mulliners Managing Director Harry Johnstone.



Initially, Johnstone was met with resistance from Crewe to approve the design, as they considered the Continental chassis to be the reserve of sporting two-door coupes and dropheads. But Mulliner saw potential in a taut and sporty saloon, and buyers agreed, snapping up 54 standard cars on the S1 platform, and many more on later series.



The S1 Continental Flying Spur was available in two models, with either four or six side windows; the four-window or four-light variant, style number 7443/B, was the rarest. Offered here, chassis number BC41LFM is one of ten such examples, with only three built in left-hand drive.



The four-light models blind quarters transformed its character with a more aggressive and purposeful appearance. There were no mechanical changes, yet enthusiasts recognize the four-light sports saloon as one of the most desirable and significant designs in Bentleys post-war history, with just fourteen of these special S1 Continental Flying Spurs produced in total.



Offered here is chassis number BC41LFM, reiterating; one of only three left-hand drive, four-light S1 Continental Flying Spurs constructed. According to records provided by the Rolls-Royce Foundation, this car left England aboard the S.S. Andria, arriving in the United States in March 1959 in time for display at the New York Auto Show. After the show, the famous dealer J.S. Inskip delivered the car to its first owner, Mr. Vincent Shea of Manhattan, a regular Rolls-Royce and Bentley customer.



The hand-written build sheet describes the unique specification, including a radio with power aerial, under-bonnet horns, power-assisted steering, Dunlop white-wall tyres, and even such minutia as coachwork instructions, a tin of polish, and the cheeky anti-hobo door locks in what is perhaps a playful jab at the cars intended home of New York City. The Schoellkopf card lists just three subsequent owners through 1986. The Bentley made its way overseas, and in approximately 2011 it received an ext