Lot 407: 1959 Bentley S1 Long Wheelbase Touring Saloon by James Young

1959 Bentley S1 Long Wheelbase Touring Saloon by James YoungRegistration Number TSJ 959 Chassis Number ALB20To many connoisseurs the Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars of the Fifties and early Sixties were the last cars displaying the traditional craftsmanship for which Rolls-Royce had become world-famous. Their separate chassis allowed an uncommon elegance of coachwork design, either by the Crewe factory itself or by independent coachbuilders such as H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward and James Young; the unitary construction of body and chassis of all subsequent models all but ended such a traditional association. The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S series, announced in April 1955, employed such a chassis, to which was mounted Standard Steel coachwork. Incorporating coil spring/wishbone front suspension with semi-elliptic rear springs and a single radius arm to locate the live rear axle, it also featured centralised lubrication and all-round drum brakes. Power was provided by the 4,887cc straight six engine of the Bentley R-Type Continental producing an estimated 158bhp which, via the four-speed automatic transmission, allowed a top speed of 100mph.This particular example is a comparatively rare beast with just 12 coach built special order Long Wheelbase models out of a total production run of 3,538 S1s made and only three James Young Long Wheelbase Saloons produced with this car being the first off the production line.TSJ 959 was ordered new from Jack Barclay by George Hickman and delivered on 10th April 1959. The car remained in his ownership until 1971 when it was sold to Colin Moreton. The car is now with its fourth owner and is described as being in very good condition. The car is finished in silver over dark blue with a tan leather interior. Supplied with the car is a large file of bills including invoices for refurbished woodwork, re-connollised leather and various routine mechanical work. The interior is fitted with power steering, picnic tables and a CD player. Supplied with the car is a large history file with bills totalling £11,000, a V5 document, current MoT valid until 2008 and owner's handbooks.Estimate £26,000 - £30,000