1958 Bentley S1 Standard Steel Saloon                  Chas...

Hammer

£15,625

1958 Bentley S1 Standard Steel Saloon                 

Chassis Number: B218FA
Registration Number: MJL 57
Recorded Mileage: c.70,000 miles

- Supplied new by H.Leverton & Co. Ltd. of Spalding
- Original buff logbook and registration number

Typifying the growing economic confidence of the mid 1950s, the Bentley S1 was larger, faster and more boldly styled than its R-Type predecessor. Introduced in 1955, there was nothing average about its 'Standard Steel Saloon' bodywork. A masterclass in formal elegance, it was underpinned by a new cruciform-braced box-section chassis equipped with independent coil-sprung front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes. Powered by a twin SU carburettor fed 4887cc straight-six engine allied to standard-fit four-speed automatic transmission, the S1 could exceed 100mph. Once affectionately described as "a veritable country club on wheels", the model's inviting leather-and-wood trimmed cabin promised relaxation and contentment. Some 2,927 S1 Standard Steel Saloons were made prior to the arrival of the V8-powered S2 in 1959.

This early example, fitted with the more desirable power steering, was supplied by dealer  H. Leverton & Co Ltd of Spalding to a Mr. Derek Crouch Esq. of Peterborough on 15th July 1958.

By the mid 1960s the Bentley was with a Mr. & Mrs. Thesiger of Hyde Park Gardens, London W2, later passing to Mrs Veronica Davis of Beinling Ltd., Ilford, in Essex from 1975.

We understand the Bentley was acquired by a Mr. Michael Betts of Wickford, Essex in 2011 before joining the Old Hall collection a year later. In 2016 the S1 was treated to some £1,642.44 worth of fettling by marque specialist Prestige Services of Leeds. In addition to a new headlining and other trim work, the Sports Saloon benefited from attention to its ignition, carburettors and seat belts, plus an oil change.

Our current vendor acquired the Bentley in 2017 and added it to a large collection of mainly British classic cars. Upon his purchase he entrusted his own engineer to rebuild the suspension, fitting new springs, servicing the dampers, replacing or repairing all bushes and joints, and attending to the lubrication system. At the same time a full stainless exhaust system was fitted to the car. The Bentley starts, runs and drives nicely, the vendor did advise us to have the rear differential correctly set before pressing it into service once more. Pleasingly retaining its original registration number `MJL 57', this attractive Bentley is offered for sale with MoT certificates dating back to 1974.