Bentley Motors needs little introduction to automotive enthusiasts – the company has cemented a legacy of opulent performance that lasts to this day. From their prewar efforts in the era’s most prestigious racing events to the creation of luxury cars fit for kings and queens, Bentleys have always been highly regarded for their sporting heritage and beautiful craftsmanship.

Following their acquisition by Rolls-Royce circa 1932, most of Bentley’s racing exploits ceased, but the marque was well positioned to succeed, and their introduction of the Rolls-Royce-based 3 ½- and 4 ¼-Litre models confirmed that Bentley was far from dead. Ensuing decades saw further innovation, and some of the world’s greatest performance-oriented luxury cars came from the company’s factory in Crewe, England.

Introduced in 1955, the Bentley S-Type followed the successful R-Type, incorporating significant improvements such as a longer wheelbase, electrically adjustable rear shock absorbers, lighter steering, better braking, and a four-speed automatic transmission as standard. The standard engine was now a 4.9-litre inline-six that was formerly available only in top-specification models. This new platform served as the firm’s sole offering for the next decade, and 3,072 S1 models were built through 1959. Of these, less than 5% were equipped with custom coachwork, most often by British coachbuilders.

In addition to the standard S1 production, 431 high-performance Continental models were built, utilizing lighter-weight aluminum coachwork, done predominantly by Park Ward Ltd., James Young, H.J. Mulliner, and Freestone & Webb. Of these 431 examples, just 94 were drophead coupes, the ultimate Bentley S1 Continental body style.

The S1 Continental offered here is a left-hand-drive drophead coupe, bodied by Park Ward Ltd., and is one of just 31 examples built in this configuration. Adding to its rarity, it is believed to be one of just three that were fitted from new with both power steering and a powered soft top.

According to copies of Bentley factory records on file, chassis BC42LDJ was tested on January 24, 1958, then shipped early the next month on the SS Rijnstroom from London to Amsterdam for display at the Amsterdam International Motor Show. In June of that year, the S1 was delivered to its first owner, Mme S. Mayne of Brussels, Belgium. Originally finished in Steel Blue over a blue leather interior, it was fitted with Dunlop Road Speed tires.

Records indicate that by 1965 the Bentley was owned by Mr. Hersov, a resident of the Mayfair neighborhood of London. By 2005, the car was imported into the US for noted collector Alfredo Brener by Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist Vantage Motorworks. Tim Montgomery of Burlingame, California, bought the Bentley from Vantage Motorworks in 2009, and receipts on file from his ownership show extensive work performed. This included new paint and plating by Automotive Services Ltd. of Burlingame, an engine rebuild by R. Gross of Hayward, California, and subsequent engine work by Pacific Performance of San Mateo, California. It is believed that the current cream leather interior was installed around this time.

In 2014, the Bentley was advertised for sale on behalf of Mr. Montgomery by J.D. Classics in the UK, and was discovered by the consignor, an American collector with a world-class assemblage of classic and sports cars who wanted the ultimate example of a Bentley S1 Drophead: a late series, left-hand-drive car with the most desirable taillights. A report and invoice on file document a presale inspection by the experts at P & A Wood, who made a comprehensive list of items that needed attention. Between January and May of 2015, J.D. Classics performed extensive sorting, attending to the items listed by P & A Wood.

In current ownership, the Bentley has been carefully maintained by the consignor’s in-house technicians and regularly exercised. It presents beautifully, wearing its original shade of Steel Blue, and benefiting from proper detailing and storage. It is accompanied by records, a tool kit, jack, and top boot.

This rare and stunning original, left-hand-drive Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupe is the ultimate mid-century luxury car. Its beautiful styling, smooth powertrain, and luxurious road manners combine to create an experience that transcends its peers. As an eminently capable and event-eligible machine, this Bentley deserves a place in any fine collection.