1959 Bentley

S1 Continental by H.J.Mulliner (Left Hand Drive)

Summary

Information

  • The thirteenth of just sixteen cars built-in left-hand drive to Design No 7443
  • Full ownership known from new to present day
  • Fitted with factory air conditioning and power windows
  • A late specification example with the factory mechanical upgrades
  • Fitted with seat belts and complete with small tools
  • A former Louis Vuitton Concours class winner 

Chassis No BC44LFM is the thirteenth of just sixteen cars built in left hand drive to Design No 7443 by H.J.Mulliner on the S1 Continental chassis. It was originally completed in April of 1959, finished in sand with a tan leather interior. It was supplied by Rolls-Royce Inc New York via Overseas Motors Corporation to its first owner, Mr Leon G Vorhees of Oklahoma City. It was specified from new with factory air conditioning and power windows, two notable and welcome upgrades. In 1982 the car changed hands for the first time and was moved to Dallas where it was maintained by Overseas Motors whilst in the ownership of Mr Ray J Morley III who lived in Irving Texas. In 1986 the car was purchased by Mrs Margaret D Sluyter of Fairmount Texas. The car was acquired by the present owner in 1988 and shipped back to the UK. Upon arrival the car was extensively reviewed and prepared to the highest standards. The car was shown at the 1997 Louis Vuitton Concours d’Elegance in Paris where it won best in class. Over the past thirty-seven years the cars has been expertly maintained and sparingly used. It presents beautifully in every respect and is wonderful to drive. Being a late specification car it benefits from all of the later mechanical upgrades. When you combine this with the factory “extras” of air conditioning, power windows and the later addition of very attractively installed seat belts, this could well be the ultimate specification of the sixteen cars built. It comes complete with tools, factory build sheets and the maintenance history. A top-class example that should be seen in person to be truly appreciated. 

Up until 1957 Bentley had only offered two door Continental style bodies, so to meet the demand of requests from their customers for a more practical four door variant with greater luggage capacity the Flying Spur was born. H.J.Mulliner’s chief designer George Moseley was entrusted with styling the new four door motor car and his design was so well received that  it lasted the entire production of S Type Bentleys until 1966, also becoming one of the coachbuilt options available on the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III chassis. 

Frank Dale - Established 1946

Frank Dale Comment

An original left-hand drive S1 Continental Flying Spur is a rare car that doesn’t come along very often. They are all beautiful, but this may well be the best one left in existence. It comes beautifully prepared, full ownership history from new is known and is not only a superior late specification car, but comes with factory air conditioning and power windows. A car that we are delighted to be offering for sale, offered direct from the collection of one of the world’s foremost Bentley experts.