Estimated Price: £35,000 - £40,000
Introduced in 1955, the Bentley S1 marked a significant evolution for the marque, offering a longer, wider body and a stiffer chassis than its predecessors. While the majority of S1s were delivered in the standard steel body produced by Pressed Steel Ltd, a select few were commissioned with bespoke coachwork, allowing discerning customers to create truly individual automobiles. The S1 was powered by Bentley’s venerable 4.9-litre straight-six engine, refined with improved cylinder-head porting to produce 178bhp, driving through a 4-speed automatic transmission. Independent front suspension and a live rear axle provided a smooth ride, while drum brakes ensured reliable stopping power. Between 1955 and 1959, just 3,107 S1s were built.
TYW 480 is a particularly rare example, finished with James Young’s elegant two-door coupé coachwork. One of only three cars built in this style, it represents a subtle and understated expression of luxury, combining craftsmanship and exclusivity. Originally ordered through Jack Barclay as a four-door saloon by Percy C. Henderson of Little Warley, Essex, the order was amended mid-production when Mr Henderson saw the coupé taking shape. Delivered in June 1957, the car was finished in Glasso Green with a matching green-grey leather interior, featuring power-assisted steering, a sliding sunroof, rear window de-mister, pipe ashtray, and grey rubber mats - thoughtful touches added before delivery.
TYW 480 has a fascinating ownership history, passing from Mr Henderson to Colonel A.B. McGhee of Wimbledon, then to Howes & Jackson Ltd until 1979. The car spent a period in the United States before being repatriated to the UK in 1989, after which it passed through a succession of private collectors.
Since acquisition by the current private owner in June 2014, the car has benefited from considerable investment including a full interior retrim with over 320 hours of labour, replacement of the sliding sunroof and carpets, a bespoke plexiglass rear screen, installation of electronic ignition, a new Radiomobile stereo, steering box replacement, and comprehensive mechanical refurbishment. Total expenditure in current ownership exceeds £47,000.
This S1 is accompanied by a comprehensive history file spanning two ring-binders, containing original James Young build sheets, correspondence between the customer, James Young and Jack Barclay, full maintenance records, workshop manuals, MOT certificates, Bentley Driver’s Club communications, and the V5C.
Offered for sale from twelve years of caring ownership, this S1 Coupé is an exceptionally rare and historically significant example, providing an opportunity for collectors to acquire one of the finest two-door Bentleys of the post-war era at a very sensible estimate.
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