1958 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead by Park Ward Ltd.

Bentley Motors Limited can trace its storied history back to 1919. While today most people associate Bentley with quintessential luxury and class, the early years were filled with an incredible racing heritage propelled by 5 overall victories at the 24 Hours of LeMans between 1924 and 1930. In 1932, Bentley was acquired by none other than Rolls-Royce Motorcars and this would forever alter the course of the company, blending the worlds of racing and luxury to create some of the finest driving cars the automotive world has ever seen. The first model produced post-merger was simply named Bentley 3 ½ Litre, featuring Rolls Royce’s 3 ½ litre inline-six engine which was sold to post-war elites as “the silent sports car.” Although post-war Bentleys were not the lightest vehicles on the road, their graceful combination of smooth performance and bespoke opulence would set the tone for future models in the 1950s.

In 1952, Bentley began producing a new car called the R-Type, followed by a high-performance version called the R-Type Continental in 1954 which featured a larger 4.9 litre inline-six engine. The following year, Bentley launched the S-Type to succeed the R-Type and featured significant improvements such as a longer wheelbase, electrically adjustable rear shock absorbers, lighter steering, upgraded brakes and a four-speed automatic transmission mated to the now standard 4.9 litre inline-six engine. This initial iteration of the S-Type platform would be called the S1 with more than 3,000 cars being produced until 1959. Before the end of the S1’s production run, Bentley once again used the Continental name for the S1 Continental, a high-performance version that catered to the most discerning customers who wished to have their cars’ bodywork fabricated by some of the best coachbuilders of the era including H.J. Mulliner, Freeston & Webb, and most notably Park Ward Ltd. Bentley made 431 S1 Continentals of which only 94 were Drophead (convertible) coupes.

This stunning 1958 S1 Continental Drophead Coupe (Chassis no. BC42LDJ) is one of only 31 Drophead examples featuring Park Ward Ltd. bodywork and built to left-hand-drive configuration. Adding to its rarity, this car is believed to be one of just three examples that were fitted from new with both power steering and a powered soft convertible top. Bentley factory records show the car being tested on January 24, 1958, a month before it was shipped across the channel to the Netherlands where it was put on display at the Amsterdam International Motor Show, finished in the same Steel Blue that the car still wears today. The car would eventually be sold to its first owner in Belgium and its history in the decades that followed is well documented. The car would eventually pass through several important American car collections after being imported to the United States in 2005. In 2014, noted UK-based marque specialist J.D Classics assisted in selling the car to its current owner who simply wanted the ultimate example of an S1 Continental Drophead.

Now proudly offered for sale, this stunning car comes with extensive records dating back decades showing ownership history, restoration work, and thorough servicing. The current owner has owned the car for nearly a decade and it has been beautifully maintained by their team of in-house mechanics and regularly exercised. This rare and stunningly original left-hand-drive S1 Continental Drophead is the ultimate mid-century luxury car. Its beautiful styling, smooth power train, and luxurious road manners combine to create an experience that transcends its peers and will forever be an icon in the automotive world.