Bentley S1

Template:EngvarB Template:Use dmy dates Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

The Bentley S1 (originally simply "Bentley S") was a luxury car produced by Bentley Motors Limited from 1955 until 1959. The S1 was derived from Rolls-Royce's complete redesign of its standard production car after World War II, the Silver Cloud. Each was its maker's last standard production car with an independent chassis. The S-series Bentley was given the Rolls-Royce - Bentley L Series V8 engine in late 1959 and named the S2. Twin headlamps and a facelift to the front arrived in late 1962, resulting in the S3. In late 1965, the S3 was replaced by the new unitary construction Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow-derived T series.

Bentley standard steel saloon

File:1959 Bentley S1 (2718892350) (cropped).jpg

1959 Bentley S1 rear

The car was announced at the end of April 1955,^[1] and it was noted that the existing Continental model would continue. The new standard steel saloon replaced the R type standard steel saloon which had been in production, with modifications, since 1946. It was a more generously sized five- or six-seater saloon, with the body manufactured in pressed steel with stressed skin construction. Doors, bonnet [hood] and luggage locker lid [trunk lid] were of aluminium.

Having a totally new external appearance, although with the traditional radiator grille, the main differences from the R type were:

three inches longer wheelbase
lower build without reducing headroom and with an enlarged luggage boot [trunk]
softer suspension with electrically operated control of rear dampers
lighter steering and improved braking
engine capacity increased to 4887cc, the same size as used in the Bentley Continental
four-speed automatic gearbox was standard, with ability to select individual ratios if desired.

Standard and long wheelbase saloon and chassis

File:1959 Bentley S1 (2718892368).jpg

1959 Bentley S1 interior

As with the preceding Mark VI and R type Bentleys, there was almost no difference between standard Bentley and Rolls-Royce models; this Bentley S differing only in its radiator grille shape and badging from the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I.

The models shared the 4.9 L (4887 cc/298 in³) straight-6 engine. They were the last vehicles to be powered by descendants of the engine originally used in the Rolls-Royce Twenty from 1922 to 1929. The bore was Script error: No such module "convert"., stroke was Script error: No such module "convert". and compression ratio 6.6:1. Twin SU carburetors were fitted, with upgraded models from 1957. A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard.

Two wheelbases were produced: Script error: No such module "convert". and, from 1957, Script error: No such module "convert"..

A standard-wheelbase car tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1957 had a top speed of Script error: No such module "convert". and could accelerate from Script error: No such module "convert". in 13.1 seconds. A fuel consumption of Script error: No such module "convert". was recorded. The test car, which had the optional power steering, cost £6305 including taxes of £1803.^[2]

Production

S: 3,072 (145 with coachbuilt bodies)
S long wheelbase: 35 (12 with coachbuilt bodies)

S Continental

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". A high-performance version S Continental (chassis only) was introduced six months after the introduction of the S1. Lighter weight fixed-head and drophead coupé bodies were provided to special order (for a premium of about 50%) by H. J. Mulliner & Co., Park Ward, James Young and Freestone & Webb. A pre-production 2-seater fixed-head coupé on the new chassis was designed and built for the Bentley factory by Pininfarina.

Park Ward

Park Ward
Park Ward

Park Ward
H. J. Mulliner

H. J. Mulliner
H. J. Mulliner

H. J. Mulliner
H. J. Mulliner

H. J. Mulliner

Production

S Continental: 431Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

References

Template:Sister project

↑ New Rolls-Royce And Bentley Road Performance Improved FROM OUR MOTORING CORRESPONDENT. The Times, Wednesday, 27 April 1955; pg. 9; Issue 53205; col B
↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Template:Navbox top

Type

1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s