1959 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupe
The Bentley S1 Continental offered here is a factory left-hand-drive Drophead Coupe by Park Ward, of which fewer than 40 were built. Attractively presented, wearing an older repaint in the factory-original colors, highlighted by a well-preserved interior compartment with beautifully patinated leather upholstery. The car is equipped with road- and hand-tool kits and accompanied by copies of factory documentation confirming that it retains its original engine and most desirable specifications. Adding to its rarity, this late-production example features the preferred taillamp arrangement, and is believed to be one of as few as three originally specified with air-conditioning, power steering, and a power soft top.
According to copies of factory records supplied by the Rolls-Royce Foundation, this S1 Continental was completed in spring 1959, finished in the popular color scheme of Sand over Sable with beige leather upholstery and a brown top. These records also note the Bentley’s intended “use in USA” and optional equipment including full Rolls-Royce air-conditioning, Sundym glass, fog lamps, a Radiomobile radio with electric aerial, and Dunlop Gold Seal whitewall tires. In all, Park Ward built just 94 of these drophead coupes, the majority supplied in right-hand-drive for the UK market. The remaining left-hand-drive examples built for export markets are the most exclusive and sought-after S1 Continentals, ranking among the most desirable of all postwar Bentley motorcars.
Between 1955 and 1959, Bentley built 431 high-performance S1 Continentals, virtually all fitted with lighter-weight aluminum coachwork, predominantly built by firms such as Park Ward Ltd., James Young, H.J. Mulliner, and Freestone & Webb. The most desirable body style offered was undoubtedly Park Ward’s elegant drophead coupe, style no. 700. Penned by Rolls-Royce Chief Styling Engineer John Blatchley, the former chief designer for Gurney Nutting, these drophead coupes were bespoke, custom bodies hand built in aluminum by Park Ward craftsmen, and not mere adaptations from stamped-steel factory coachwork.
Owned by knowledgeable collectors for more than half a century and maintained in good,
serviceable condition, this highly regarded Park Ward Drophead Coupe represents the pinnacle
of mid-century luxury motoring. The car’s beautiful styling, smooth powertrain, and luxurious
road manners combine to create an experience that transcends those of its peers. As an eminently capable and elegant machine, this Bentley deserves a place in the finest collections.
COACHWORK BY PARK WARD
CHASSIS NO. BC14LGN
ENGINE NO. BC13G
Price: $1,250,000
