Model story

Bentley S1

The Bentley S was a luxury car produced by Bentley Motors Limited from 1955 until 1959. This new standard steel saloon replaced the R type saloon, which had been in production, with modifications, since 1946. This Bentley (and Rolls-Royce)'s first true complete redesign of their standard production car after World War II and their last standard production car with an independent chassis was a more generously sized five- or six-seater saloon with the body manufactured in pressed steel with stressed skin construction. Doors, bonnet and luggage locker lid were of aluminium.

Having a totally new external appearance, although with the traditional radiator grille, new S type differed from the R type by three inches longer wheelbase, lower build without reducing headroom, with an enlarged luggage boot, softer suspension with electrically operated control of rear dampers, lighter steering and improved braking, increased engine capacity to the same size as used in the Bentley Continental, standard four-speed automatic gearbox with ability to select individual ratios if desired.

As with the preceding Mark VI and R type Bentleys, there was almost no difference between standard Bentley and Rolls-Royce models - this Bentley S differing only in its radiator grille shape and badging from the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I.

The models shared the 4.9 L (4887 cm³) straight-6 engine. They were the last vehicles to be powered by descendants of the engine originally used in the Rolls-Royce Twenty from 1922 to 1929. Twin SU carburettors were fitted, with upgraded models from 1957. A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard. Two wheelbases were produced - 3124 mm and, from 1957, 3226 mm.