Make:
Bentley
Model:
Bentley S1 Continental Flying Spur - "4-light" sedan
Drive Type:
Rear Wheel Drive
Transmission:
Automatic
Year:
1959
Mileage:
14,000 miles
Doors:
4-door
Engine:
4.89 litre Rolls-Royce in-line 6
VIN:
BC41LFM
Exterior Color:
Dark blue (midnight non-metallic)
Interior Color:
Tan Connolly leather
Ref:
920.000
Bentley S1
Continental
Flying Spur
“4-light sedan”
1959
Stunning Condition and super rare – 1 of 3 ever made!
Proudly presenting this incredibly stunning 1959 Bentley S1 Continental 4-light sedan – Flying Spur. Finished in dark blue (midnight non-metallic blue) with light tan Connolly hides. An absolutely show-winning car in every respect.
In the spring of 1955, Rolls-Royce and Bentley announced the arrival of a new range of two virtually identical models respectively known as the Silver Cloud and S-Series (also referred to as S-Type or later, S1). The new models culminated the efforts to standardize the line that began with the Silver Dawn and R-Type. “Standard Steel Saloon” was now firmly entrenched in regular Rolls-Royce parlance, with the factory and clients now used to the idea of full, factory-built cars. In terms of styling and mechanical makeup, the standard saloons of Bentley and Rolls-Royce were virtually identical, with only subtle detail differences between the two. Power came from a 4.9-liter inline-six derived from the high-performance R-Type Continental. Given the success of that car, management decided that a hotter version of the new chassis should join the new range, and development began in earnest.
Given Bentley’s sporting history, the new high-performance variant would be a Bentley-only offering, bearing the famous Continental name. Plans called for the Continental to be sold ex-works as a chassis only, with three official catalog body styles available. Standard bodies included a two-door saloon by H.J. Mulliner and a Park Ward two-door saloon with corresponding drophead coupe. In 1957, one of the most important developments of the Continental series arrived with the introduction of a four-door sports saloon, courtesy of the drawing boards of H.J. Mulliner. Officially known as Design 7443, its more evocative Flying Spur moniker drew from the family crest of Mulliner’s Managing Director Harry Johnstone.
Initially, Johnstone was met with resistance from Crewe to approve the design, as they considered the Continental chassis to be the reserve of sporting two-door coupes and dropheads. But Mulliner saw potential in a taut and sporty saloon, and buyers agreed, snapping up 54 standard cars on the S1 platform, and many more on later series.
The S1 Continental Flying Spur was available in two models, with either four or six side windows; the four-window or “four-light” variant, style number 7443/B, was the rarest. Offered here, chassis number BC41LFM is one of ten such examples, with only three built in left-hand drive.
The four-light model’s blind quarters transformed its character with a more aggressive and purposeful appearance. There were no mechanical changes, yet enthusiasts recognize the four-light sports saloon as one of the most desirable and significant designs in Bentley’s post-war history, with just fourteen of these special S1 Continental Flying Spurs produced in total.
Offered here is chassis number BC41LFM, reiterating; one of only three left-hand drive, four-light S1 Continental Flying Spurs constructed. According to records provided by the Rolls-Royce Foundation, this car left England aboard the S.S. Andria, arriving in the United States in March 1959 in time for display at the New York Auto Show. After the show, the famous dealer J.S. Inskip delivered the car to its first owner, Mr. Vincent Shea of Manhattan, a regular Rolls-Royce and Bentley customer.
The hand-written build sheet describes the unique specification, including a radio with power aerial, under-bonnet horns, power-assisted steering, Dunlop white-wall tyres, and even such minutia as coachwork instructions, a tin of polish, and the cheeky “anti-hobo door locks” in what is perhaps a playful jab at the car’s intended home of New York City. The Schoellkopf card lists just three subsequent owners through 1986. The Bentley made its way overseas, and in approximately 2011 it received an extensive mechanical overhaul by marque specialists Padgett Motor Engineers in England. It returned to the ‘States shortly thereafter and has since enjoyed a life of regular use and care.
Today, this elegant Flying Spur presents in a gorgeous dark blue livery with understated tan coach stripes to complement the hides. It wears an older but high-quality restoration that has matured gracefully over time. The blue paintwork is glossy and smooth, and the color a perfect match for the coachwork, which displays crisp feature lines and tight, consistent panel gaps. Some minor imperfections are evident in the finish, yet only on close inspection. The doors shut with a satisfying click that reflects the superb quality of the original body. Chrome and brightwork are excellent, including the bumpers and proper wheel covers with color-keyed beauty rings.
The luxurious cabin features swaths of tan Connolly hides in excellent condition. The seats are nicely but lightly worn in, showing a charming character to the leather that comes from years of regular use. The woodwork on the dash and door caps is stunning, with inlaid banding and a deep, glossy lacquer finish. Original switchgear and controls are excellent, and the original Smiths His Master’s Voice radio sits in the dash – although an aftermarket AM/FM/CD player is discreetly mounted below. Unobtrusive three-point inertia-reel seat belts are fitted in the interest of modern safety.
In the last couple of years full air conditioning was fitted by Vantage Motorworks in Florida.
Build sheets confirm BC41LFM retains its original engine, which presents with an honest and tidy character under the bonnet. The 2011 mechanical overhaul by Padgett Motor Engineers included overhauled suspension and braking systems, cooling system overhaul, and new exhaust silencer, while the gearbox, fuel system, ignition, and electrics also received expert attention. The current owner acquired the car following the work and has since carefully maintained it in top order. At the time of writing, the car feels “on the button” and superbly prepared.
This stunning Bentley ticks all the right boxes for the Rolls-Royce/Bentley enthusiast and collector. Combining rarity, beauty, and impressive performance, it is a well-sorted and tour-ready motorcar that practically begs to embark on a cross-continental journey.
178 bhp, 4,887 cc inline six-cylinder engine with dual SU carburettors, four-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs and wishbones, semi-elliptic rear springs with electrically controlled piston-type dampers, and power-assisted hydraulic front and hydro-mechanical rear drum brakes with mechanical servo assistance. Wheelbase: 3,124 mm
This absolutely stunning, super rare 4-light Continental Flying Spur is ready for driving and showing. A true show-worthy example that cannot be easily replaced.
International buyers are always welcome.
For extra photos on this fine example go to the link below.
The photographs are of super high resolution so if you right click on any, you can zoom in and see every little detail and defect in considerable detail.
Click HERE to see additional photos!
The link below is to a short driving video
Click HERE to see additional photos!