Year : 1958
Make : Bentley
Model : S1 Continental
Coachbuilder : Park Ward (Left Hand Drive)
Price : P.O.A.
Body Type : Drophead Coupe
Colour : Sand over Sable
Trim : Beige Leather
Condition : Very good condition throughout
Technical Data : Four speed automatic gearbox, 6 cylinder in-line configuration engine, 4.9 litres displacement, 4887cc capacity. Drum brakes servo-assisted.

The tremendous success Bentley enjoyed with the R Type Continental continued onto the S Series chassis in late 1955 with a range of new bodies available to collectors. The Park Ward drophead coupe was originally the brain child of legendary coachwork designer John Blatchley who had been involved in the styling of the R Type Continental by H.J. Mulliner. Six R Type Continental chassis were delivered to the Park Ward works, which were then owned by Rolls-Royce. Blatchley was given the task of styling the four drophead coupes and the two further fixed head coupes on the R Type Continental chassis, a design which was later slightly adapted for the marginally longer S1 Continental chassis. Chassis number BC18LEL is one of just thirty one original left hand drive all aluminium bodied drophead coupes by Park Ward for the S1 Continental chassis, built to Design No 700. This design is widely regarded to be the most attractive post war Bentley with open coachwork and one that is highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike. This particular motor car was completed in July of 1958 to the original order of the Government of Qatar, finished in sand over sable as it remains today. Later in life the car found its way to the United States when owned by Joan Dreyfus, the wife of Jack Dreyfus the famed Wall Street financial expert who founded the Dreyfus fund. The car was purchased by Vantage Motor Works from the Dreyfus family in 1996 and restored mechanically and cosmetically to show standard, in its original colour specification, sand over sable with a beige hood and beige interior. It was then supplied to known collections and shown for the only time at Amelia Island in 2009 where it won first place honours. The car was acquired in recent years by the present fastidious owner who has maintained it regardless of cost. Being an EL Series motor car it is fitted with factory power steering, twin brake master cylinders and the larger style carburettors, making it the most desirable specification. It is also fitted with power hood, power windows that are rarely seen on S1 Continentals and air conditioning. It comes complete with correct handbook and complete tools stowed in the Park Ward box in the boot. As per our normal policy, this vehicle will come serviced, prepared and tested prior to delivery to ensure the next owners continued enjoyment. This beautiful motor car represents a rare opportunity to acquire a late specification, original left hand drive example of one of Bentleys most sought after models.