1956 Bentley S1 Continental Fastback Sports Saloon

• One of only 97 right-hand drive S1 Continentals to H J Mulliner's body design 7400
• Professionally restored in the mid/late 1990s
• Present ownership since circa 2005
• Extensively recommissioned by recognised marque specialists
• Freshly MoT'd and ready to enjoy

Chassis number 'BC12BG' is one of only 97 right-hand drive, all-aluminium bodied S1 Continental Fastbacks built between 1955 and 1959 to H J Mulliner's Design No. 7400. The chassis was delivered to H J Mulliner in Chiswick, West London in April 1956 and took a year to complete, being delivered to its first proud owner David Robinson Esq of The Mill House, Grantchester on 11th April 1957. He kept the car for just over three years before trading it in through Harold Radford of South Kensington for a new Bentley S2 Continental.

The Bentley had various keepers before being purchased in 1995 by a Japanese collector, who commissioned an extensive restoration before exporting the car to Japan. Undertaken between 1996 and 1999, the rebuild included a repaint in black with gold coachlines (replacing the original green); a re-upholstered interior in beige leather as original; overhaul and re-polishing of the flame mahogany interior woodwork; re-plating of all chromework; and the addition of air-conditioning.

The car was repatriated to the UK in 2005 and upon acquisition by the current owner was re-issued with its original registration, 'SNM 3'. Re-commissioning was required as the car had been stored while in Japan. Seat belts were added for the front seats, while the mechanical works were carried were carried out by marque specialists such as P&A Wood, West Hoathly Garage, Royce Service & Engineering, and Graham Whitehouse, bringing the car up to excellent condition to ensure reliability for European and national rallies. In total, £85,000 has been spent during the vendor's ownership.

Works carried out included a front suspension overhaul and replacement of the kingpins; replacing all pipework for the front one-shot lubrication system; replacement of all brake pipes, drum backing plates, and overhaul of front/rear and brake master servos; overhaul, set up and bench test of the automatic transmission; rebuild of both rear shock absorbers and re-tempering of springs. The car has recently been fitted with four new whitewall radial tyres and a new battery, and will be freshly MoT'd before the sale. P&A Wood have just carried out the annual service, so the car has fresh engine oil, filter, ignition points, etc.

Invoices for all works are in the history file together with a set of copy chassis cards and records (obtained from the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club). The original jack, an original handbook, a set of small tools, and a cotton interior storage cover are included in the sale.