1955 Bentley S1

For auction on Bidding Classics - www.biddingcla...
►Vehicle History
• Overall condition: Excellent
• Number of owners: two (note: this has been initially registered in Ireland, so I'm not sure if DVLA will have included ‘EU’ owners within that number)
• History: incredibly detailed - it would appear the vast majority of paperwork is present - didn't appear to have any gaps and it’s all stored very well in folders and files related to each owner.
• MOT: MOT exempt - last MOT July 2019
• Note: logbook states non transferrable reg mark - it was imported from Ireland and later registered in the UK - suspect this is why.
►Exterior
When we describe this S1 as excellent, it almost does the condition a disservice. The paintwork is gleaming and the brightwork, which was rechromed over lockdown, is sparkling in the sunshine. The vehicle which has been used sparingly, shows no signs of paint chipping or paint degradation and the only area of note is the fuel cap which on certain angles, shows a slight imperfection within the paintwork. As this is a removable area, this is something which could be corrected and perfected for a very low cost.
The door handles and locks which are original and have not been restored, show slight tarnishing befitting of the age of the vehicle, but this patina adds charm and doesn’t detract from what is an exceptionally well cared for motor.
The coachline, which is hand painted and not a decal as you may see on a cheaper restoration, is applied perfectly with a steady hand, and looks to be original.
All the doors shut perfectly and uniformly, with no exertion or undue force. The shut lines are perfect and there are no causes for concern on the doors.
There are slight areas which future owners may wish to address but these are so slight they could either stay as is to preserve the history and originality of the vehicle or be restored/replaced to easily achieve concours status.
These areas are off side light missing small red detail to top of chrome, slight discolouration in offside headlight and slight scratch marks to the glass in offside rear door. The scratches are so slight that they do not show up in photographs and only visible at certain angles.
►Interior
Prospective buyers will be overjoyed to note that the interior is just as wonderfully well kept as the external condition on the car.
The front seat has been retrimmed in a leather so close in colour and quality to the rear, you’ll struggle to notice at first glance this has been upholstered. The front seat condition is excellent and looks as good as new. The back seat is of a similarly wonderful condition, but there are a couple of dark spots/stains on the rear no bigger than a 50p piece. Even the most discerning of viewers will find it bears no impact on the wow factor when you open the doors.
The veneer across the front dash and surrounding the gauges is in fine fettle and there is no warping, cracks or points to note. It is simply quality through and though, with no concerns or improvements needed.
The veneer in the back is also in perfect condition and the fold down picnic trays are not only present, but fold down with no tarnishing to the trays or to the chrome fixtures. Being critical, the trays are stiff to fold down, but we suspect this is due to the fact the vehicle has been so rarely used and with that, the tray usage has been sparing.
►Mechanicals
Mechanically, the bills for this car would suggest it has never found wanting for anything within its rich and colourful life and as you look under the bonnet, this is hugely evident. Nothing is hugely amiss and all the hoses, cables and perishable items look to have plenty of life left in them.
In photos you’ll see that under the bonnet is relatively tidy, although the wiper motor which has recently been fixed could do with a tidy up to the wiring - an hour’s worth of work to get it looking smart again.
On test drive, the car performed faultlessly and cruised through the gears without hesitation or crunching. The engine came up to temperature in the time expected and the handling was completely as it should be for the vehicle. It was a pleasurable drive and handles like a low mileage, well maintained example. Unlike poor examples where handling can be questionable or the vehicle can feel wanting, this vehicle feels fresh, new as it possibly can do for the age and well loved.
The full tool kit as supplied with the vehicle is present in the boot and this includes the torch. These so often go missing, so it’s a real joy to not only find it all there, but also in fantastic largely unused condition. Please note that due to the age of the tools, they serve better purpose as ornamental or decorative within the car and modern tools are recommended in the event of practical work needing to be undertaken.