Vehicle Description
Chassis No. BC35LDJ
Engine No. BC34D
The Bentley Continental nameplate is the embodiment of grand
touring in high-speed opulence. In the 1950s, the experience of
driving - or more likely being chauffeured in - a Bentley coupe
worthy of carrying four across continents meant that the owner was
a member of a rarified, select part of society, one the captains of
industry, movie stars, and aristocratic families participated
in.
This style of timeless coachwork, Park Ward design number 872,
first graced the S1 Continental at the 1957 Paris Motor Show.
Designed and constructed by Park Ward, the lightweight aluminum
body was a fitting touch for a sporting Bentley. Of the 431 S1
Continental sedans and coupes produced from 1955 to 1959, Park Ward
would manufacture bodies for 185 cars. This particular example is
even more exclusive, with it being ordered on only 11 left-hand
drive chassis per the Rolls-Royce Foundation. The design gives the
car a wonderful sense of presence while remaining light and airy
for the passengers due to the large windows framed in delicate
pillars. There is a subtle American influence to the design thanks
to the small tailfins incorporating the rear lights, a useful
feature when maneuvering in tight quarters. All these styling
touches culminated in a timelessly styled Bentley that combines
old-world traditions with a forward-looking design that has aged
gracefully. Technically, the S1 Continental was one of the last
Bentley models fitted with the Rolls-Royce-designed inline
4.9-liter six-cylinder. A tried and true powerplant that famously
produced 'sufficient' levels of power to allow for high-speed
touring in silent comfort.
This particular S1 Continental, chassis no. BC35LDJ benefits from a
known chain of long-term and prominent owners since new. The
initial purchase order was placed by Luis Enrique Perez Velutini,
the son of Henrique Perez Dupuy, a prominent economist and banker
who fueled Venezuela's economic revolution with the founding of the
Banco Venezolano de Credito and the Central Bank of Venezuela.
Indeed, many great cars were imported to Venezuela during this
period as it became one of the wealthiest countries in the world.
It is unknown why, but when the S1 reached Caracas, it would be Mr.
Perez Velutini's cousin Miguel H. Veluini who would take ownership
of the new Bentley. It must be said that it was delivered to the
right owner as it would remain in the care of his family until it
was sold to Diego Bustillos Beiner, a prominent lawyer and fellow
Venezuelan connoisseur, in 1996.
Previous research indicates that under this ownership, a multi-year
restoration was undertaken to bring the S1 Continental to a
beautiful level of finish. The bodywork was stripped to bare metal,
the ideal surface for the new metallic sand paintwork. The original
numbers-matching engine, equipped with the optional power steering,
was refreshed and is still fitted to this motorcar today. The
interior leather, reportedly sourced from Connolly just prior to
them ceasing production in 2002, adds an additional layer of
authentic detail to the restoration. The lush pile of the Wilton
wool carpets provides a beautiful contrast to the glass-like finish
of the burl wood dashboard, creating a superbly comfortable and
luxurious.
Following the restoration, the car was brought to the US a decade
ago by Diego Beiner's daughter, whereafter the current owner
acquired it, becoming essentially just the third caretaker in 65
years. Quite possibly the only S1 Continental with the thin pillar
Park Ward design number 872 coachwork to grace the roads of
Venezuela, this 1958 Fixed Head Coupe stands apart not only for its
remarkable design, rarity, and unique delivery location but due to
its traceable, long-term history within one of Venezuela's most
influential families. Today, as a result of its high-quality,
body-off nut and bolt restoration and bespoke special coachwork, it
is prime to provide its new owner the same unique blend of
effortless power, sumptuous comforts, and sophisticated style that
will propel its winged 'B' mascot across the Concours stage - or
across the Continent.