1958-Bentley-S1 Continental Flying Spur

Description

1958 Bentley S1 Continental Flying Spur
s/n BC2FM
Midnight Blue with Tan Leather Interior

Created in Bentley’s greatest tradition of luxury, performance, and engineering, the Continental is among the most rare and desirable of all postwar Bentleys. The replacement of the illustrious R-Type Continental, the S series cars featured exclusive coachwork which was lighter than the standard steel coachwork, and usually built by H.J. Mulliner. These cars represented the last of the coachbuilt cars, and featured distinctive styling that was more rakish and modern than the standard cars. The S1s were powered by the most developed version of the six cylinder engine, displacing 4.9 liters. They were wonderfully silent and smooth in their operation.

The majority of H.J. Mulliner Flying Spurs were built with side six windows, providing slim pillars but little privacy. A very small number of examples were built with four windows, which provided a thicker C pillar with the lovely Flying Spur styling. Reportedly, 18 four window examples were built over the nine year production run, a figure which includes both left and right hand drive models.

This particular car is one of either five or six four-window Flying Spurs built and is a cosmetically and structurally excellent example whose chassis was completed on 14 June 1958 and supplied as a chassis only to H. J. Mulliner. The car was completed and delivered new on 14 November of 1958 to R.E.J. Macready Esq. of London according to factory records. On 8 February 1961, the car was purchased by British, Overseas & General Investments Co. of London. On 11 February 1963, the car was sold to Joseph Green, Esq. of London, who kept the car until 1970. For a few months in 1970, the car belonged to a Mr. Frank Dale, who sold it on to its next owner, Kenneth Tebay, Esq. on 28 September 1970. He owned the car until 1987. Tebay painstakingly maintained the vehicle and all the service invoices from Tebay’s ownership are included with the history file which perfectly illustrates the life of the vehicle. During the 1970s, the car was serviced by Jack Barclay and James Young Limited. In the 1980s and up until April 1997, the car was serviced by P. J. Fisher Classic Automobiles. The car was owned during this period by the owner of the business, Peter Joseph Fischer. Extensive service work was performed at great expense, including complete gearbox overhaul, steering box overhaul, and rebuilt cylinder head.

The car was then exported to an Austrian owner in Graz, who kept the car from 1997 to 2007, after which point the car returned to the United Kingdom. Another major service was performed in 2010, which included new exhaust system and most of the brake system, including master cylinders and all wheel cylinders. Included with the car is a thick file of service records dating back to the early 1970s, as well as copies of the original build cards. There is also correspondence from the Bentley Driver’s Club, and copies of MOTs dating back to 1970.

The car makes an excellent cosmetic impression. The paintwork was performed to very high standards, and the fit and operation of the panels is excellent. The car was repainted in its original midnight blue. There are very few blemishes to the paint, just a few superficial cracks and some superficial bubbles at the bottoms of the doors. However the overall impression the car makes is fantastic and the hand-painted gold coachline is lovely touch. The chrome is excellent throughout, having been done to the highest standards and showing virtually no scratches or pitting. The glass and lights are excellent throughout. The car is equipped with Lucas Flamethrower fog lamps and H4 headlamps. The undercarriage is in exemplary condition, which is particularly important on these cars because they tend to rust underneath, particularly the inner rockers. This car is structurally excellent.

The interior is in excellent shape. The original leather has been redyed and has a wonderful patina. The carpets have been replaced relatively recently with high quality wool and the wood was beautifully refinished although there are some hairline cracks in a few of the door filets. The dashboard wood is excellent. The steering wheel, instruments, and switches are excellent. The wool broadcloth headliner is in very nice condition as well and three leather throw pillows are also present.

The engine compartment is very correct and has an honest well-maintained appearance. It is clean throughout but shows some patina in certain areas. Other areas are excellent, and many of the black painted components have been refinished and are like new, including the valve cover, carburetor float bowls, and air cleaner. The firewall appears to be in excellent unrestored condition, and the factory torch (flashlight) is present as well. The trunk appears to retain its original carpeting, which is in good condition but does show some wear and fading. The spare tire cover is present, along with jack and associated accessories.

The car is a pleasure to drive. It starts instantly from cold without any throttle and it idles and runs smoothly and quietly. The transmission shifts smoothly, kicks down when asked to, and generally prefers to loaf the car effortlessly along in a magically smooth manner. The ride quality is excellent while the steering is light and precise. It is surprisingly easy to accurately place the car and outward visibility is excellent. Being in the car is a serene and refined experience that belies the car’s age and generally feels remarkably modern. The brakes are effective and stop the car evenly.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a very rare four window Flying Spur in excellent cosmetic and structural condition. Arguably the most attractive Rolls-Royce/Bentley saloon of the period, this car’s appeal is further enhanced by its lovely original color combination and excellent driving experience. It has a wonderful feel behind the wheel and the car would be suitable for shows, tours, or pleasure drives. The car is complete with records back to 1970, copies of the build sheets, MOTs as far back as 1970, jack, spare, and tool tray with tools.