With the unveiling of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I in late 1955, came the simultaneous introduction of the Bentley S1, known at inception simply as the Bentley S Type. It was almost a carbon copy of the Rolls-Royce offering, identical in every way mechanically speaking, with a slightly adapted bonnet to suit the more curvaceous radiator shell of the Bentley. This was badge engineering at its finest and like the Silver Cloud, the S Type was tremendously successful, combining superb engineering with elegant coachwork. The interior was also beautifully appointed with only the very best materials, providing passengers with a highly luxurious and comfortable environment.
The major difference between the two brands however were when you consider the coachbuilt options on offer, with significantly more choice offered to Bentley buyers. On the standard S Type chassis there were some very attractive options. The policy of converting standard steel saloon bodies (mostly Rolls-Royces) into drophead coupes at the H.J. Mulliner works was introduced in the late 1950’s, giving their customers an even greater range of options. However, prior to this, a very limited number of all aluminium coachbuilt drophead coupes were produced by H.J. Mulliner, built to design number 7409 on the Bentley S1 chassis, with just twelve examples built.
However, the options were far greater on the Continental version of the Bentley S1. The tremendous success that Bentley had enjoyed with the R Type Continental continued onto the S Series chassis with the Continental option. The premise was the same, to build lighter, very stylish, streamlined motor cars in limited numbers with increased performance when compared to their standard factory-built cousins. If we were comparing these cars to suits, the Continentals were very much the Savile Row option. In terms of their performance, the combination of a lighter, lower body, a tuned engine and a high ratio back axle increased their acceleration and top speed capabilities, making them perfect for Continental touring on the long straight roads in Europe.
The Continental chassis was offered to buyers with a range of new and very stylish coachwork options. The three major coachbuilders who were responsible for the majority of the bodies on the new S1 Continental chassis were H.J.Mulliner, Park Ward and James Young, all based in and around the London area. All three produced some superb designs.
H.J. Mulliner of Chiswick in west London were responsible for some of the most stylish and elegant coachwork on the Bentley S1 Continental chassis, with two basic designs that were modified during production. Their two-door offering was built to the iconic Fastback design that had been so popular and successful on the R Type Continental chassis. At first glance, they do look very similar, however there were some key differences. The rear of the S1 Continental Fastback was leaner and could not accommodate rear wheel spats like the R Type Continental. The S1 also had a swage line in the coachwork along the rear wings. The slightly longer S1 Continental also had a moulded mascot, integral to the radiator shell, different from the removable R Type Continental mascot. Inside the car, the S1 Continental was a more luxurious model when compared to its predecessor. The drive was also quite different, with most cars fitted with automatic transmission and power steering, a major change and move away from the R Type Continental. The designers at H.J.Mulliner also introduced a four door S1 Continental in 1957, known as the Flying Spur, a designation that is still being recycled today almost seventy years on. It was a beautiful motor car with balanced elegant coachwork and a basic design that aged well, being used on both the following S2 and S3 Continental chassis, as well as the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III chassis.
The Park Ward fixed head coupe was originally the brainchild of legendary coachwork designer John Blatchley who had been largely responsible for the styling of the R Type Continental by H.J. Mulliner. Six R Type Continental chassis were also delivered to the Park Ward works who were then owned by Rolls-Royce. Blatchley was given the task of styling the four drophead coupes and the two further fixed head coupes on the R Type Continental chassis, both designs which were later slightly adapted for the marginally longer S1 Continental chassis. Their fixed head coupe design came in two options, with a thinner rear C post in later cars. Their drophead coupe design is considered by many to be one of, if not the most beautiful post war Bentley with open coachwork. Their works in Willesden in north west London produced a limited number of very high-quality bodies for the S1 Continental chassis, with style in abundance.
James Young in Bromley built even fewer bodies for the S1 Continental chassis, their two-door coupe is exceptional in our opinion.
The S1 Continental was the start and the end of a very important chapter in the history of the company. It was the last model to have their tried and tested straight six-cylinder engine. But on the other hand, it was also the beginning of the introduction of automatic transmission and power steering which then became standard fits on Bentley motor cars. It was also the beginning of the S Type years, running from 1955 to 1965, a period in which some of the most fantastic cars to bear the Bentley name were built.
Thoughts from Frank Dale
The standard Bentley S Type upon release in 1955, much like its twin the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I, was praised for its smooth ride, the quality of the craftsmanship employed, and its understated elegance. It provided a quintessentially British motoring experience, combining luxury, refinement, and a degree of sporting ability that Bentley had been known for before World War II. Almost seventy years on, this model represents a very cost-effective entry point into classic post war Bentley ownership.
As good as the standard factory cars were, the S1 will probably always be recognised for the Continental options produced on this chassis. They are magnificent cars and some of our favourites. The S1 Continental Drophead by Park Ward is one of the best cars ever produced in our opinion. It’s incredibly beautiful, wonderful to drive and the perfect car for a warm summers evening drive with the hood down. The S1 Continental Fastback by H.J.Mulliner is equally superb in terms of combining fabulous looks with superb performance. They are iconic and special cars that we think will stand the test of time to collectors and people who just like to drive great cars. It’s an area of the market we are particularly well known for. Usually, you will find several in our workshops being serviced or restored and several on our inventory for sale. If you need any assistance with acquiring, servicing or restoring an S1 Continental please let us know, they are our speciality.