Most desirable for automotive enthusiasts when finished in the lighter Fastback body style from H.J. Mulliner, the S1 Continental built between 1955 and 1959 was capable of a genuine 120 mph top speed to ensure it offered the signature Bentley blend of performance and luxury motoring. An evolution of Bentley’s extraordinarily successful R-Type Continental Fastback, the updated S1 version featured modernised looks, and the vast majority were produced with an automatic gearbox.

One of just 97 right-hand-drive examples of the S1 Continental Fastback completed by H.J. Mulliner (design no. 7400), chassis BC9BG was notably sold new via fellow Bentley and Rolls-Royce coachbuilder James Young of Bromley in Kent. According to a copy of the factory build sheet, this car was originally specified in Cream over a Green interior and featured an automatic transmission mated to the 4,887-cc six-cylinder engine. Delivered to Young’s in September 1956, the first owner is listed as H Needler of East Yorkshire. Then, in 1973, the S1 was acquired by SBC Livesey of London.

Eleven years later, the Continental was exported to the United States. Having subsequently spent time in Washington state, the Fastback later moved to Alexandria, Virginia before being acquired by marque specialist P&A Wood of Dunmow, Essex in December 1989. A new owner bought the Bentley in November 1994—the colour at this point had been changed to green—and under their custodianship a full restoration was commissioned. The car was purchased by the consignor in April 2014. A May 2022 invoice (available to view on file) from Clark & Carter Restorations records that £5,343 was paid to cover a thorough engine service in addition to a brake rebuild. The Bentley retains its matching-numbers engine.

Presented in dark green over fawn hide and green carpets, this desirable S1 Continental features the more sporting Fastback coachwork by H.J. Mulliner to live up to its name as an exquisite, high-speed, long-distance cruiser that would be a fine addition to any discerning collection.