153 hp, 4,887 cc inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed automatic transmission, front independent with live axle rear suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 3,125 mm

• Iconic H.J. Mulliner fastback styling

• Specialist restoration by Alan Taylor

• One of less than 120 built

In the days immediately following the end of World War II, Rolls-Royce took the unprecedented step of commissioning hard tooling for what would become known as the Standard Steel Saloon, standard coachwork for the majority of its model line. This move came when Board and Managing Director Arthur Sidgreaves recognised that new production methods and materials had outdated the marque’s traditional manufacturing techniques. Commercial success meant rethinking how the company conducted business.

The Standard Steel Saloon fulfilled the company’s commercial requirements but not necessarily those of all its customers. It was for this clientele that the Bentley Continental was created.

The ’50s were a never-to-be-replicated era for spectacular automobile design. Rolls-Royce and Bentley, whose styling up to that time was rather tame, happily adapted to this unrestrained form of artistic expression. Bentley Motors, wishing to make its mark in the early ’50s, made a big splash with its R-type Continental in 1952 and most of the 211 examples featuring a bold fastback design, with two raised fins on each side in the rear. When introduced, the car was the fastest four-seat production car in the world. It was a spectacular success, despite costing many times more than a Cadillac of the same era.

The company revived the "Continental" designation from pre-war Rolls-Royces, with about 20 more horsepower from a higher compression engine and large bore exhaust system, higher gearing and modified suspension for greater cruising speeds. In fact, maximum cruising speed was almost 120 mph, and the Continental could maintain these speeds effortlessly all day long. 1956 marked the final iteration of the W.O. Bentley-designed straight-six engine. With 4.9 litres, increased compression, larger carburettors and intake valves, power was said to have increased by 13 percent.

As cars became more powerful and refined through the 1950s, Bentley adapted the new “Cloud”-series chassis and engine to its prior fastback design, this time on the S-1 chassis. Gone were the weight-saving features of the R-type model, such as lightweight seats, replaced by more luxurious seating, and other newer features could then be ordered, like electric windows and air conditioning. Combined with a host of suspension, steering and braking improvements, which by this time were power-assisted, the entire S1 Continental package was finely tuned to ensure capable, competent road manners and excellent performance. The S-1 Continental Fastback Coupé was a big success continuing in the tradition of its predecessor.

The particular example offered today was sold new to a Cmdr. B.A. Russell in London. It passed shortly thereafter to the 3rd Earl of Inchcape and then to a P. Durham. It came to America sometime in the ’80s and was faithfully restored to its current superb condition in 2001 by the highly respected Alan Taylor of Escondido, California. Some $50,000 was spent, inclusive of new, show-quality paint. It was a part of the Steven Wolf Collection in Florida for many years prior to returning to the UK in 2011. It is finished in deep velvet green with beige Connolly hides in the interior and comes complete with its handbook and all original tools.

Collectors have recognised the uniqueness of its styling, and the fastback cars have experienced a great increase in demand and in prices. The Bentley S-1 fastback, of which less than 120 were made in both RHD and LHD, is a comparative bargain to its European competition and one-twelfth as common as a Gullwing, for example. This is a car to be driven and treasured for many years to come. It is truly “usable art.”

A reduced import tax of 5% may be applicable to this car. For further explanation please speak with an RM representative.