‘Their
responsiveness, beauty of line and traditional coach-built interior fitments
make them the ultimate in fifties personal transportation’ The Flying Lady.
The
Bentley S1 Sports Saloon was first introduced in 1955. It quickly became
synonymous with effortless high speeds and luxury touring. Of all the designs,
and possibly all the Bentley’s, the Mulliner S1 Continental Fastback is the
most iconic example of high-performance elegance. The S type was built on a new
chassis, which included improved brakes and suspension. They were also fitted
with the latest, enlarged model, of the inlet-over-exhaust, six-cylinder
engine, which produced 4887cc. As well as this, the Continental came with a
shorter radiator and high gearing. All of which resulted in exceptional sports
car performance; a top speed of 120mph and it could reach 50mph in just over 9
seconds. In 1955 Autocar wrote: ‘It brings Bentley back to the forefront of the
world’s fastest cars’.
The
luxury aspect of this car is apparent on first sight, the famous lines of the
Mulliner coachwork are sublime. The interiors were fitted with touring in mind,
comfort and space are paramount. It is noted in the original build sheets for
10JML, that an opening head and rear sun blind are added, which would no doubt
contribute to the comfort in which you would travel to the Cote d’Azur, and
they are still present to this day. Again commenting, Autocar state: ‘the
latest Bentley model offers a degree of safety, comfort and performance that is
beyond the experience and perhaps even the imagination of the majority of the
worlds motorists’.
This
early example has a fantastic and comprehensive history. Initially registered
in 1956 to Mr Johnstone, the managing director of H J Mulliner and Co Ltd. She
was first displayed at the Earls Court Motor Show and not long after sold to a
Mr D Letts, known for racing MG’s at Brooklands. During this ownership 10JML
was looked after by Jack Barclay; the first note in this car’s extensive
history is a simple remedy of a failing stop lamp. In 1961 the car was sold,
via Jack Barclay, to a J W Jennings of Samuel Jones & Co Ltd. There is
documented dialogue between Barclay’s then manager and Jennings recording the
sale. Mr Jennings kept and maintained the car, using Rolls Royce Ltd companies,
until 1968. It was then passed to The Freeman Heating Co who commissioned maintenance
work, including an engine rebuild, to preserve the cars originality.
In
1979 the vehicle was purchased by David Rolfe, an avid collector of Bentley
cars and a regional chairman of the BDC. He kept, looked after, and enjoyed
this Continental for 35 years. She was then sold to a Mr Head, who upon taking
ownership of her in 2008, initiated a specialist report. All highlighted issues
were recorded and then remedied. Mr Head rallied the car in Australia in 2010,
taking part in ‘Bentleys Australia Over the Top’, 44 Bentleys travelling through
the outback, and no issues were recorded. In 2017 Mr Head then instructed a
full restoration, to include a bare metal respray, refinishing of the veneers
and £17,000 worth of mechanical conservation. The care shown during this
process is apparent in the resplendent finish seen when one views the car in
the flesh. The car passed to the present owner in 2018.
10JML
is an impeccable example of one of the most desirable Bentley’s ever to grace
our roads. We are delighted to offer her as part of the Newton House
Collection, with hope that buyers will not miss the opportunity acquire such a
beautiful and rare car.
