1958 BENTLEY S1 CONTINENTAL FASTBACK

KEY FACTS

• An exceptionally rare late example of the S1 Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner, with outstanding originality and history.
• Under the sweeping bonnet is a 4.9-litre straight-six engine, coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission.
• One of the final 20 examples of the S1 Fastback that featured numerous upgrades that would follow on the S2 model, and one of only 5 cars to feature the wheel arch flares.
• The car was displayed at the 1958 Earls Court Motor Show.
• Offered from cherished 38-year family ownership.

HISTORY

Following the path laid by the R-Type Continental, the S1 Continental Fastback was designed as a glamorous and fast long-distance touring car; capable of covering huge distances while cosseting its occupants.

This particular S1 is one of 151 such cars built with the Fastback body, and significantly is one of the last 20 to be built. This final batch of cars kept the 4.9-litre straight-six engine, but in other respects were upgraded with S2 features under ‘design number 7466’ specification, including a twin-circuit braking system, revised interior trim with different seats and dashboard, and a higher swage line along the body. Most noticeably to a casual observer, the side marker lights were moved to the top of the front wings rather than half way down.

The final 5 examples of this batch of 20 - of which this car is one - also had a subtle flare added to the wheel arches, further moving towards the S2 appearance. It therefore boasts an exceptionally rare specification, as one of the last of the great ‘Fastback’ line.

Furthermore, factory documents held by RREC confirm that this very car - chassis BC8FM - was the 1958 Earls Court Motor Show car, and there is very little in the history that is not documented from that time until now. Within the owner’s manual, there is not only an exceptionally rare ‘Mulliner Continental’ supplementary insert, but also a handwritten list of UK counties visited in the car by the first owner.

From 1973 through to 1983, this S1 Continental Fastback was owned by renowned solicitor and president of the Law Society, Sir Richard Gaskell, who was lauded for securing advocacy rights for solicitors at the highest levels of the judiciary.

Sir Richard took care to document this car’s early history fastidiously, with handwritten notes in the file showing that he researched and listed all four owners prior to himself, as well as the date of every service visit.

Furthermore, he also contacted the previous owners, and there are letters on file from a Mr Charles Palmer, who was the owner of BC8FM from 1966 to 1973, and Brigadier Charles Barnet ‘Roscoe’ Harvey, the owner prior to this from 1963 to 1966 - the latter expressing regret over selling the Continental Fastback for a later Flying Spur model. A recipient of three Distinguished Service Orders, and renowned as the finest armoured leader of the Second World War; Roscoe Harvey was also a great friend of the Queen Mother, having become involved in horse racing after the war.

The current owner’s father purchased this car directly from Sir Richard Gaskell in 1983, and it has been cherished by the family ever since. Initially seeing very little use for around 10 years, the car was stored at the local Rolls-Royce and Bentley main agent.

In the mid-1990s, the vendor’s father decided to attend a Bentley Drivers Club Rally in St Moritz, so a specialist was chosen to recommission the S1 Continental Fastback to ensure reliability during the trip. Not having time to complete the work in time themselves, Rolls-Royce and Bentley agent P&A Wood recommended an independent specialist in Colchester, Harvey Wash Ltd. Needless to say, the car was completely gone through by Harvey Wash Ltd to rectify any minor faults and bring it up to an excellent mechanical standard; and it completed the European tour and BDC Rally in St Moritz without missing a beat.

In more recent years, marque specialist RR&B Garages of Bromsgrove has looked after the car, the majority of which was a second substantial recommissioning in the 2012-2013 period, after which the car has barely done more than 1,000 miles.

Accompanying the car is the original brown log book showing all owners bar the very first (though they are recorded elsewhere), plus subsequent DVLA V5 registration documents; as well as a substantial record that details all maintenance from new through to 1983, when the current family acquired it.

Bidders should note that the cherished registration 'AJG 40' is not included in the sale. The plate is not original to the car, and is of personal significance to the vendor's family. The papers have already been filed with the DVLA to place this registration on retention, so another age-related mark will be issued by them.

CONDITION

• There is no known bodywork damage. The car has never suffered any panel damage in the last 38 years, and there is no record of any prior repairs in this regard.
• Its Shell Grey paintwork is described as being in fair condition, with irreplaceable originality and genuine patina.
• Inside, the Pillar Box Red leather is wholly original and is in generally good order, with some minor splits on the driver's seat seams, but no significant damage. It is eminently usable as-is, and if the next owner chooses to retain the factory trim, it will keep valuable character in the car that would be impossible to recreate.
• As the car has never been restored, it remains in remarkably original condition. While the next owner may choose to make some sympathetic improvements to the coachwork and paint, the rest of the car could be left undisturbed to reflect its wonderful history.
• By using the correct starting procedure when taking the Bentley out for drive, the seller has found the car to be reliable and thoroughly enjoyable.
• Exempt from mandatory MOT testing, the last inspection was in November 2012 at 86,669 miles, when it passed at the first attempt, with advisories noting slight corrosion on the body and a minor exhaust leak.

SERVICE HISTORY

• Last serviced in June 2018 by Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist RR&B Garages in Bromsgrove, this was routine maintenance with an engine oil change carried out at 88,831 miles.
• Following a period in storage, RR&B Garages also carried out substantial recommissioning works in early 2013. This included a rebuild of the suspension and cooling systems, as well as removal of the cylinder head for inspection and cleaning. A slight exhaust leak that had been noted on the 2012 MOT test was also rectified.
• When the Harvey Wash Ltd overhaul was carried out, the engine was put through a compression test that found the bottom end to be serviceable, and it has covered just a few thousand miles since then.
• It is impossible to overstate just how impressive the history file of this Bentley really is. Not only is every workshop visit from new through to 1983 documented in the previous solicitor owner’s handwriting, but every invoice from his tenure with the car is also present. This includes invoices from Mulliner’s own Hythe Road Service Depot, as well as the Bentley main dealer that cared for the car, and who had also looked after it for the two immediately preceding owners as well.

SUMMARY

This Bentley S1 Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner is an exceptionally original and remarkably well-documented luxury grand tourer, offered from cherished 38-year ownership. The model is rightly regarded by collectors as a fabulously stylish and sophisticated cruiser, with a well-appointed interior and a rewarding driving experience.

As one of the final 20 examples built that have the desirable S2-specification features, this is already a very rare car; but its desirability is further enhanced by being one of just 5 cars that also have the subtle wheel arch flares. The specification and provenance – including being the 1958 Earls Court Motor Show car – would make this a great ‘survivor’ for club events, or the next owner may instead wish to commission sympathetic restoration works, keeping as much originality as possible. In either case, this S1 Continental Facebook comes with a truly remarkable history file, telling the car’s fascinating story and highlighting its unique character.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the vehicle is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to an age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.