1958 Bentley S-Series Continental Sports Saloon
Coachwork by H J Mulliner
Registration no. OFF 721
Chassis no. BC37DJ

Bentley's magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction on the R-Type chassis in 1952. Unlike the ordinary, factory-bodied, 'standard steel' R-Type, the Continental was bodied in the traditional manner and first appeared with what many enthusiasts consider to be the model's definitive style of coachwork - the lightweight, wind tunnel-developed fastback of H J Mulliner.

The Continental's performance figures would have been considered excellent for an out-and-out sports car but for a full four/five seater saloon they were exceptional: a top speed of 120mph, 100mph achievable in third gear, 50mph reached in a little over 9 seconds and effortless cruising at the 'ton'. Built for export only at first, the Continental was, once delivery charges and local taxes had been paid, almost certainly the most expensive car in the world as well as the fastest capable of carrying four adults and their luggage. 'The Bentley is a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distances and delivers the occupants well-nigh as fresh as when they started,' declared Autocar.

With the arrival of the final generation of six-cylinder cars - the all-new Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type - the Continental lost some of its individuality but none of its exclusivity. Eulogising about the new S-Series cars, introduced in April 1955, Autocar wrote, '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 world's motorists.'

Later, in October that same year, the Bentley Continental became available on the 'S' chassis. 'It brings Bentley back to the forefront of the world's fastest cars,' Autocar remarked of the H J Mulliner-styled fastback which, arguably, was the quickest four/five-seater saloon of its day. The S-Type's new box-section chassis incorporated improved brakes and suspension and an enlarged (to 4,887cc) and more powerful version of the existing inlet-over-exhaust six-cylinder engine, which for the first time was identical in specification in its Rolls and Bentley forms. The Continental version came with shorter radiator and higher gearing and, for a time at least, could be ordered with right-hand 'change, manual transmission. As had been the case with the original R-Type, the new S-Type Continental was only ever available as a coachbuilt car, the designs produced by independent coachbuilders for the S1 Continental chassis being among the era's most stylish, although – arguably – none ever improved on H J Mulliner's sublime original.

Right-hand drive chassis number 'BC37DJ' was delivered to its first owner, one E Bateman, in April 1958 and in June 1994 was registered 'OFF 721'. In June 1995 the Bentley was acquired by Mr William E (Chip) Connor II, who retained the highly respected marque specialists P & A Wood to maintain it. P & A Wood restored the Continental to their customarily high standard in 1994, the extensive receipts for this work are on file – viewing of which is highly recommended. The current vendor purchased 'OFF 721' in February 2011, since when it has been maintained by The Light Car Company, Stanford-in-the-Vale, Wiltshire. Whilst in the vendors private collection, the Bentley has been enjoyed for some 1,700 miles of continental touring, including visits to the South of France and the Le Mans Classic in 2013.

The Bentley is finished in Caribbean Blue with beige leather interior, the latter boasting front seat belts, new carpets and a Boston Acoustics stereo system with Alpine head unit including iPod input. Air conditioning is the only other deviation from factory specification notified. On a recent inspection the engine started instantly, ran quietly and revved freely. The car is taxed and MoT'd to July 2015 and comes with V5C registration document. Described by the private vendor as in generally excellent condition, this wonderful Bentley Continental is worthy of any collection and will bring great pride to its next discerning owner.