1956 Bentley S-Series Saloon
Registration no. XFO 126 Chassis no. B55CM

Bonhams MPH March Auction|20 March 2021, 13:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1956 Bentley S-Series Saloon
Registration no. XFO 126
Chassis no. B55CM

Odometer reading: 38,000
MOT : expired

*Delivered new in the UK
*Extensively restored in 1997/1998
*Circa 5,600 miles since restoration
*Badging changed from 'Bentley' to 'Rolls-Royce'

"The Bentley 'S' Series is a very attractive car with superb lines, appearance and finish. It costs a lot of money, but to the connoisseur who must have the best it is worth every penny. It is schemed to require the very minimum of attention over large mileages, but it has the famed Rolls-Royce service behind it when any attention is required. This will still be a glorious car in 45 years' time, just as my own 1911 Silver Ghost is today." - John Bolster, Autosport, 1956.

Chassis number 'B55CM' was first registered on 16th July 1956 as 'LCX 834'. In 1976 the Bentley was exported to the USA, remaining there until 1990 when it returned to the UK and was registered as '18 YRR'. On 4th March 1998 the DVLA agreed to transfer the registration from '18 YRR' to 'XFO 126'. A comprehensive engine and bodywork restoration was undertaken in 1997/1998, including fitting hardened valves and valve seats to facilitate the use of lead-free petrol, while the badging was changed from 'Bentley' to 'Rolls-Royce'. An MoT certificate dated 3rd June 1998 records the mileage then as 32,334. The current odometer reading is circa 38,000 miles. Comprehensive details of the restoration, including bills and photographs, are available in the file. The current vendor purchased the vehicle from Bonhams Hendon sale in 2019, since when it has seen minimal use.

Footnotes

Vendor Score Total: 55/100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 12/25
Body Work: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 2
Glass: 3
Paint: 2
Wheels/Tyres: 2

INTERIOR TOTAL: 11/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 2
Headlining: 3
Seats: 3
Trim: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 9/20
Mechanical components: 2
Running: 3
Starting: 3
Under Bonnet: 1

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12/20
Axles: 3
Brakes: 3
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Suspension: 3

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6/10
Ancillary components: 3
Main components: 3

Car History File: 5

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