The tremendous success Bentley enjoyed with the R Type Continental continued onto the S Series chassis in late 1955 with a range of new bodies available to collectors. The Park Ward drophead coupe was originally the brainchild of legendary coachwork designer John Blatchley who had been involved in the styling of the R Type Continental by H.J. Mulliner. Six R Type Continental chassis were delivered to the Park Ward works, which were then owned by Rolls-Royce. Blatchley was given the task of styling the four drophead coupes and the two further fixed head coupes on the R Type Continental chassis, a design which was later slightly adapted for the marginally longer S1 Continental chassis.

Chassis number BC9DJ is the thirty-fourth of just fifty-eight right hand drive all aluminium bodied drophead coupes by Park Ward for the S1 Continental chassis built to Design No 700. This design is widely regarded to be the most attractive post war Bentley with open coachwork and one that is highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

It was originally completed in November of 1957 to the order of Mr G.H.Latham of The Whitehead Iron & Steel Company in Newport. It was finished in sand over sable with a beige leather interior and was supplied to Mr Latham by Jack Barclay Ltd. He retained the car until September 1960 and then sold it to Mr Hugh Wonter of London W1. At some point after this the car was exported, we believe to the United States of America. It returned to the UK in 1990 where it remained in London for four years until it was purchased by Mr Robert Lalemant in June 1994. It then became part of his very high-quality private collection in Belgium. At this point the car had been re-painted dark green.  

It changed hands in 2006 when purchased by Mrs Gabriele Hungerford of Newbury and then again in October of 2011 when it was supplied by P&A Wood to the present owner. During his twelve year ownership the car has been correctly maintained whilst being sparingly used. In our opinion Chassis No BC9DJ is the ultimate right hand drive specification example, with factory power steering, larger carburettors, uprated braking system and factory power hood.

It comes complete with both complete large and small tools, copy chassis cards and maintenance records in the cars history file. It also comes prepared and tested as per our normal policy, to ensure correct performance, reliability and pleasurable motoring. Chassis No BC9DJ is a beautiful example of this iconic and most sought after model.

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