1958 Bentley S1 | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

• One of three lightweight aluminium-bodied examples belived to remain in the UK
• One of the rarest coachbuilt Bentley S1 variants produced
• Rare and desirable restoration project

Introduced in 1955, the Bentley S1 marked the beginning of a new generation of post-war Bentley motor cars, combining understated elegance with significant engineering advances. Built upon an entirely new chassis and powered by Bentley's refined 4.9 litre F-Series straight-six engine, the S1 offered exceptional refinement, near-silent cruising and effortless long-distance performance. Whilst over 3,500 examples were produced between 1955 and 1959, the vast majority featured standard pressed-steel coachwork. A select few discerning customers instead commissioned bespoke bodies from H.J. Mulliner, Britain's foremost coachbuilder, whose individually handcrafted aluminium-bodied Bentleys are today regarded amongst the finest and most desirable post-war examples.

This exceptional Bentley S1 is one such car. Constructed by H.J. Mulliner to Design No. 7401, chassis B34BA was completed in January 1958 as a lightweight aluminium-bodied coachbuilt six-light saloon, distinguished by its elegant proportions and characteristic rear-hinged front doors. Believed to be one of just three examples built to this design remaining in the UK, it represents one of the rarest coachbuilt Bentley S1 variants produced. Equally remarkable is the extraordinary provenance accompanying the car. Original factory build sheets, H.J. Mulliner production records and the matching body plate confirm the originality of the coachwork, linking Body No. 5987 directly to chassis B34BA. The records detail the Bentley's original specification of Old English White with blue leather upholstery, together with its factory production and assembly notes.

Factory ownership records show the Bentley was supplied through Jack Barclay Ltd and delivered on 29th January 1958 to Sinclair, Kemp & Lee Ltd for the use of John Hemsworth of Frimley, before changing ownership later that same year. The accompanying archive continues through decades of documented ownership and restoration history, including Rolls-Royce records, Richard Hicks invoices, previous owners' correspondence, period MoT test certificates, DVLA documentation, build certificate and extensive photographic records. The cherished registration VXR 44 has adorned the Bentley since 1992. Offered today as an exceptional restoration opportunity, this highly significant coachbuilt Bentley combines extreme rarity with one of the most comprehensive provenance archives to accompany any post-war Bentley, Part prepared, the body is Primed with a Black scratch coat, ready for top coat, presenting a compelling proposition for collectors seeking one of the marque's most exclusive surviving motor cars. Consigned by Mathew Priddy