Lot 662: 1957 Bentley Continental S1 Saloon

The current owner purchased this Bentley Continental in August 1986, registering it in the name of one of his private companies. In March 2003 the car was re-registered in the name of another of his private companies and subsequently transferred to his private ownership.
Between September 1991 and April 1997, the vehicle was completely rebuilt by Fullbridge Restoration Company in Maldon, Essex. Since it was completed, Fullbridge have undertaken all maintenance, repairs and MoT testing. No other company has worked on the car, which comes with a file of invoices and correspondence between the vendor and Fullbridge.
Before the Bentley went for total restoration it was in useable condition, seeing service for trips in the UK, family outings, sports days and picnics. Post-restoration the car has, for the past eight years, been used in the role its maker intended: long distance touring throughout Europe.
As one might expect, the vendor confirms that this type of driving suits the car very well, as there have been no breakdowns or unfortunate incidents, although the total mileage when added up is not high, amounting to approximately 4,000 miles annually. “There is a fantastic run over The Alps to Switzerland’s most famous hotel with the longest name – ‘The Hotel of The Glacier of The Source of The Rhone’. The descent from this hotel down to Geneva is an incredible challenge to the braking system but the Bentley manages this well. This is a journey the new owner should make. Expect to be very well received.
“In Europe the car attracts much admiring attention and opens the door for every courtesy and assistance when seeking accommodation not booked in advance. It never fails. Through the car we have enjoyed meeting and maintained friendships with many very kind and interesting people.”
Sold only because of the owner’s retirement and relocation abroad, the car comes with restoration invoices totaling £37,047.20+VAT, current MoT/road fund licence and Swansea V5.