Ian Gabriele
Specialist
LOT 122 Ω
1957 Bentley S1 Sports Saloon Coachwork by James Young Limited Chassis no. B57BC Engine no. BB153
Sold for US$72,800 inc. premium
Lot 122Ω
Shown on the James Young stand at Earl's Court, 1957
1957 Bentley S1 Sports Saloon
1957 Bentley S1 Sports Saloon
1957 Bentley S1 Sports Saloon
Coachwork by James Young Limited
Chassis no. B57BC
Engine no. BB153
Coachwork by James Young Limited
Chassis no. B57BC
Engine no. BB153
4,887cc OHV inline 6-cylinder engine
Twin SU carburetors
175bhp, estimated
4-speed automatic transmission
Independent front suspension and live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs
4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes
*A rare example of James Young coachwork
*Shown on the James Young stand at the 1957 London Motor Show
*One of 26 built to Design no. B10
*In current ownership since 2007
*One of Bentley's most iconic models
THE CAR OFFERED
Bentley Motors Limited introduced the 'S-type' in 1955, alongside the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. The sleeker design of the factory-fitted Standard Steel Saloon replaced the more baroque R-Type and Mk VI the company had offered since 1946. Apart from being more generously sized, the new S1 had several marked improvements mechanically, cosmetically, and ergonomically over its predecessor. With its body on frame construction, the S1 was also a prime candidate for traditional coachbuilders to practice their craft, with some memorable creations from James Young, Park Ward, Hooper, and others. Only 3072 S1 short-wheelbase sedans were built (compared to more than 7,000 Silver Clouds), and the series remained in production with few modifications until late 1965 when it was replaced with the new monocoque T series.
Chassis number B57BC is a particularly special example of the S1 series, featuring coachwork by James Young Limited. It is one of only 26 cars built to James Young's design number B10, with its distinctive finned rear wings and subtle, yet effective reworking of the Standard Steel design. According to information compiled by author Davide Bassoli and provided by the Rolls-Royce Foundation in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, this home-market car was shown on the James Young stand at the 1957 London Motor Show at Earl's Court. Aside from its handsome lines, the bodies were constructed in aluminum, undoubtedly providing a weight-saving performance boost.
Factory records show it was subsequently delivered to T.W. Daglish after Earl's Court. By the mid-1980s, B57BC found its way to Canada, with documentation showing it was serviced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd in St. Laurent, Quebec. Along the way, it had been refinished from its original Shell Grey/Black livery to its current and rather sporty blue over red leather upholstery.
This very special Bentley joined the consignor's collection in 2007, sharing a stable with other notable Bentley and Rolls-Royce models. Following extended storage, light recommissioning has been undertaken, and additional attention may be required prior to longer drives, yet this lovely S1 promises to be a welcome addition to virtually any collection, particularly those highlighting the works of the great British coachbuilders.
Additional information
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| Ω | Import Duty |
| Lot is subject to US Customs duty or tariff and/or related import fees payable by the buyer as part of the purchase price. Please refer to the Specialist Department managing the auction for details. |
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