The Bentley S-Type debuted alongside its companion, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, in April 1955. True to its racing heritage, Bentley addressed demand for a performance-oriented motorcar by offering the sporting Continental chassis, drawing on the high-speed, long-distance touring reputation of its R-Type Continental.

Equipped with a higher compression ratio and taller gearing, the capable S-Type Continental chassis served as the ideal platform for lightweight, custom coachwork, exemplified by the two-door sport saloon body designed by Park Ward (design no. 701). A total of 69 examples were built for the worldwide market and this fine example is one of just 24 offered in desirable left-hand-drive configuration.

The accompanying build sheet and the chassis card for BC31LAF indicate a delivery date of April 14, 1956, “For use in America,” delivered through J.S. Inskip of New York to its original owner, Edwin H. Herzog of New York, a partner in the Lazard Brothers investment banking firm. It was finished in a subtle two-tone paint scheme described as “Dual Gray” with the interior upholstered in red leather. Its coachwork was an evolution of John Blatchley’s design for the R-Type Continental, but benefited from a 3"-longer wheelbase. Historian and author Davide Bassoli concluded: “the beauty of the design blends with the sensation of speed and power,” employing body construction “composed of the Park Ward patent lightweight frame covered with aluminum panels.” It is further distinguished by the Issue-1 taillamp arrangement with three round lights stacked within the trailing edge of the rear fender.

The car passed through a series of New York RROC owners, including Leonard Potter and Sydney Rogers, before Priscilla Lucas Stevens acquired it in 1966. In her care through the mid-1990s, it was repainted and reupholstered in original colors in 1976. RROC ownership resumed in 2017 with collector Arnold Penner retaining the car until 2023.

Presented in excellent condition today, the car is still finished in the two-tone gray combination with red upholstery and carpets. The walnut dashboard is in fine condition and houses a full array of gauges plus a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio. Air-conditioning has been added with vents fitted below the dashboard. Mechanically, it retains its automatic gearbox and power steering, ensuring driving ease. Today, just nine S-Type Continental chassis fitted with this Park Ward design are known to the RROC and only two are left-hand-drive cars. One of the most attractive bodies offered on the S-Type chassis, the Park Ward sport saloon coachwork exudes both an elegant and sporting air, ideally complementing the high-performance Continental chassis. Its next owner will be rewarded with a proper motorcar that can be appreciated for its visual presence, performance potential, and traditional Bentley sophistication.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled 1957.