Vehicle Description
In the spring of 1955, Rolls-Royce and Bentley announced the
arrival of a new range of two virtually identical models called
Silver Cloud and the S-Series (also referred to as S-Type or later,
S1) respectively. The new lineup represented the culmination of
efforts to standardize the line that began with the Silver Dawn and
R-Type. The "Standard Steel Saloon" was now firmly entrenched in
regular Rolls-Royce parlance, and with the new Cloud/S-Type, the
shift to the production of complete cars was complete. However,
that is not to suggest that Rolls-Royce abandoned those clients who
wished for something a bit more special. The Cloud/S-Type was
designed from the ground up to accommodate the work of independent
coachbuilders, with a host of limited production and one-off
designs coming from the likes of James Young, H.J. Mulliner & Co.,
Hooper, and Graber Carrossier among others. Stylistically and
mechanically, the standard Bentley and Rolls-Royce saloons were
virtually the same, with only some subtle detail differences
between the two. Powering the new car was 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 Cloud/S-Type should join the range, and development began in
earnest. Given the sporting history of the Bentley marque, execs
reserved the new high-performance variant for the Bentley chassis,
and the Continental name returned. The plan called for the
Continental to be ordered as a chassis, with three official catalog
body styles available: A two-door saloon by H.J. Mulliner, and a
two-door saloon and corresponding drophead coupe by Park Ward,
although other firms would eventually have the opportunity to make
their mark on the brilliant Continental chassis. H.J. Mulliner
chose an evolution of a theme that first appeared on the hottest
version of the old R-Type Continental. Officially, Mulliner's
Design no. 7400 is designated a Two Door Sports Saloon, although is
best known by the more evocative sobriquet, Fastback. While
fundamentally similar to its predecessor, the S1 Continental
Fastback is an entirely new shape, stretched over a longer
wheelbase with softer details and more linear body sides, yet
retaining the same iconic sloping roofline and subtly finned
haunches. Later in production, Mulliner reworked the design for
1957, designating it Design No. 7466. With its unique blend of
elegance and aggression, the Mulliner Continental Fastback is a
sophisticated, high-performance grand tourer and one of the most
recognizable and beautiful designs of the post-war era. Perhaps
more than any other post-war Bentley, it is the car that best
captures the spirit of W.O. Bentley's original creations. Chassis
number BC82AF is one of 97 right-drive S1 Continentals to wear
Mulliner's 7400 Fastback two-door sports saloon coachwork. This
example is a remarkable survivor-quality car that has never been
restored; rather, enjoying a life of regular use and care over the
past sixty-plus years. According to factory records, the order for
this Continental Sports Saloon came in late 1955, with H.J.
Mulliner designated as the coachbuilder. Delivery to the dealer
H.A. Fox & Co. followed soon after, on behalf of the first owner,
Nigel Turner, Esq. In June 1956, the Bentley was registered as
SXA435; a number plate which it still wears today. Little else is
known of the car's earliest history; however, it appears to have
stayed in England through the early 1980s, with the last known tax
date in 1983. More recently, BC82AF came to the United States,
where it was used on a very regular basis for many years in the
hands of an award-winning artist and film director from New York.
In the 80s or early 90s, it was equipped with a mobile phone,
contemporary AM/FM radio, and retrofitted with boot-mounted air
conditioning - necessary equipment for a high roller cruising the
streets of New York City in one of the most stylish cars ever
created. The owner had exquisite taste, as this Continental shared
garage space with a Mercedes-Benz 600 sedan. Considering the value,
rarity, and collectability of the S1 Continental Fastback, most
examples have already been restored at least once. BC82AF is one of
a select few original Mulliner Fastbacks to survive in unrestored
condition, presented with a refreshingly honest character. While
never restored, it wears any imperfections it has on its sleeve
like a badge of honor. The black lacquer paintwork has a warm
luster to the finish, complementing the crisp and remarkably
straight coachwork. Brightwork is in similarly good condition, with
straight bumpers and sound plating on the body fittings and
radiator shell. Steel wheels wear correct original wheel covers and
recent radial tires. The original interior features light blue-gray
Connolly hides which appear weathered and broken-in, like a
cherished old baseball glove. Despite its initial appearance, the
leather is surprisingly supple, and while there is visible wear in
places, it is serviceable as-is. Carpets are also original, and
generally sound while showing considerable age. Interior woodwork
is consistent with the rest of the cabin, displaying some fading
and minor cracking in the lacquer on the door caps and instrument
panel. Original instruments, seatbelts, and switchgear are intact
and in good condition. A few non-original items have been added
through the years, including an aftermarket radio and controls for
the rear-mounted air conditioning unit. In the boot, the original
green lining has a heavy patina, and the factory jack, handle, and
a mostly complete tool kit reside in their respective compartments.
This car retains its original Continental-spec engine, number
BC81A, corresponding with the factory build order. The presentation
is appropriate and honest for an unrestored car. The only
non-factory component is the rotary A/C compressor, added when the
car was in regular service on the road. We have had the engine
running and it sounds quite good, although additional service needs
are likely. Although this car served as a daily driver for many
years, a lengthy period of storage means it will require service
before being road worthy again. Looking beneath the car, we see the
undercarriage is quite sound, with original spring gaiters and
aluminum shields intact, and no evidence of significant corrosion
on the chassis, floors, outriggers, or inner panels. This marvelous
and highly collectible Bentley Continental could be returned to the
road and preserved in original condition with minimal effort.
Conversely, the solid and complete nature make it the ideal basis
for a full restoration to its original glory. However the next
owner chooses to enjoy it, there is no doubt the sophisticated
elegance of its H.J. Mulliner coachwork will continue to turn
heads.