The Legendary Bentley S1 1955 - 1959

A masterpiece of British automotive excellence, the Bentley S1 represents the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship from the golden age of motoring.

Bentley S1 Classic Car

British Heritage

The story of automotive excellence

A New Era of Luxury

Introduced in 1955, the Bentley S1 marked a revolutionary moment in automotive history. Derived from Rolls-Royce's complete redesign of its standard production car after World War II, the S1 shared its distinguished platform with the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, yet maintained its unique Bentley character and sporting heritage.

With only 3,538 units produced at the prestigious Crewe facility in England, each S1 represented the culmination of British craftsmanship and engineering excellence. The car was the last Bentley to feature descendants of the legendary engine originally found in the 1922-1929 Rolls-Royce Twenty, making it a true bridge between automotive eras.

Royal Craftsmanship

Hand-built by master craftsmen in Crewe, England

Exclusive Production

Only 3,538 units ever manufactured

Bespoke Coachwork

Custom bodies by H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, and others

Timeline

1955

Launch

Bentley S1 introduced, replacing the R-Type

1957

Enhancement

Upgraded SU carburetors and extended wheelbase option

1959

Legacy

Production ended, succeeded by the S2 with V8 engine

Technical Excellence

Engineering specifications that defined an era

Engine & Performance

Engine 4.9L Straight-Six
Displacement 4,887cc / 298 cu in
Bore × Stroke 95.25mm × 114.3mm
Compression Ratio 6.6:1
Fuel System Twin SU Carburetors
Top Speed 103 mph

Drivetrain & Chassis

Transmission 4-Speed Automatic
Drive Type Rear Wheel Drive
Construction Steel body on box-section frame
Wheelbase 123" / 127" (from 1957)
Weight 4,330 lbs
Quarter Mile 18.9 seconds

Dimensions

Length 212.0 inches
Width 74.8 inches
Height 64.3 inches
Front Track 58.0 inches
Rear Track 60.0 inches
Ground Clearance 7.5 inches

Coachwork Options

Body Styles 4-door Saloon, 2-door Coupe
H.J. Mulliner Bespoke luxury coachwork
Park Ward Traditional British styling
James Young Elegant custom bodies
Hooper Royal warrant coachbuilder
Continental 432 specially bodied examples

Enduring Legacy

A lasting impact on automotive history

The Last of an Era

The Bentley S1 holds a unique position in automotive history as the final production car to utilize descendants of the engine originally developed for the 1922-1929 Rolls-Royce Twenty. This connection to the early days of luxury motoring makes every S1 a tangible link to the golden age of British automotive engineering.

Today, the S1 is revered by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide as one of the most elegant and refined automobiles ever produced. Its combination of traditional craftsmanship, advanced engineering for its time, and timeless design continues to inspire modern luxury car manufacturers and captivate automotive enthusiasts across generations.

3,538
Total Production
432
Continental Models
5
Coachbuilders
4
Production Years

Get In Touch

Learn more about the legendary Bentley S1

Contact Information

Email

info@bentley-s1-heritage.com

Phone

+44 1270 255 155

Location

Crewe, Cheshire, England

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