1956 Bentley S1 Continental Drop Head by Park Ward

Pendine

Pendine is offering this Bentley S1 Continental Drop Head by Park Ward for sale. One of the finest examples available, fully matching numbers and maintained regardless of cost.

2s

1956 Bentley S1 Continental Drop Head by Park Ward

The S1 Continental Drop Head, as bodied by Park Ward, is considered by many to be the definitive peak of Bentley design. The all-aluminium body was not an adaptation, but a ground up, all-new Park Ward design that captured the stately elegance of the era. Only 58 examples were built in Right-Hand Drive, making them one of the rarest and most desirable Bentley’s built.

Chassis BC 95 AF was supplied in chassis form to Park Ward in January 1956, with the car being delivered to the first owner in July of that year. Finished in British Racing Green over Blue leather – a very unusual colour combination – it also had a great list of Special Features. The most notable were the power operated hood and windows, rear window demister, and two tone horns. The most unusual was the ‘trailer attachment to rear’, presumably for towing?

The first owner, J.F.R Mitchell of Peterborough, ran an engineering firm, keeping the car until 1960. The second owner, Mr L.C. Potter, was local to him. It appears the Continental remained in the North of England for much of its life, with ownership transferring to the appropriately named Alan Bentley in the 1990s, who undertook a full body off restoration. Finished in British Racing Green over red trim, the number plate was AB 500, and a regular at Club events. He retained it until Alexander Baggl bought it from P&A Wood in July 2006. A Swiss resident, he was fastidious in his maintenance of the car, with P&A Wood initially looking after it, before it was imported into Switzerland.

The current owner bought the S1 from Frank Dales in March 2021, who fitted power steering at the same time, and continued service and maintenance work in 2021, 2022 & 2023. Forming part of a significant British collection, under the current custodianship the lower half of the Bentley has been repainted in Silver, striking today in its two-tone livery. Fully retrimmed in tan leather with matching hoodbag in 2022.

Click here for further information  


collectorscarworld is partnering with the most renowned classic car specialists and dealer-ships in the world. We always offer selected rare and sought-after collectors cars and supercars for sale and every day a special car is featured for one of our partners. The passion for classic cars is diverse, sometimes it concerns the beauty of forms that can be admired at a concours, sometimes it is the smell of rubber , old leather and gasoline at a racing event or trip in the sunset.

Or its a classic car you have great memories with or which your parents owned a longtime ago. Classic cars and supercars are an expression of the lifestyle that someone shares with other petrolheads, and which is immortal, enduring and always a lot of fun. If you are looking for a special car or need support in the evaluation and history of cars, please contact us at info@collectorscarworld.com

more information


INSTA6

Interested in further “Cars For Sale”? Click here.

 

 

 

 

Previous articleBernina Gran Turismo 2026
Next articleFrom Louis To Vuitton By Assouline
Pendine specialise in the sale of historic cars for road and track. Whilst focusing specifically on the immediate post-war period through to the 1970s, their experience ranges from Edwardian racers through to the supercars of the 1990s. James Mitchell: Having worked as Business Manager at the world’s leading historic car specialist for over a decade, James’s specialist knowledge is of post-war British sports and racing cars. He has a reputation for being one of the foremost authorities on early Jaguar E-Type’s. James is also the Senior Editor of Speed Age Books, a publishing company dedicated to the publication of bespoke, limited edition volumes on important cars and collections. Historical research is an increasingly important factor within the classic car market, making his specialist knowledge a great asset. James founded Pendine in 2014. Jonny Shears: Raised in and around classic cars, it was only natural for Jonny to pursue a career in the motor industry. Initially starting as an automotive photographer, Jonny helped build one of the country’s leading auction houses. As such, Jonny has been involved in the sale of a great breadth of significant cars, specialising in both the Porsche and Alfa Romeo marques. As an avid enthusiast and historic racer you will often find him at race meetings, either spanner in hand or piloting his Austin Healey Sprite.