Bentley S1 Price Guide

The Bentley S1 was the first entirely new Bentley produced following the war. It came in the guise of a longer, wider car with improved comfort and a more modern appearance. It moved the marque firmly into the luxury rather than sporting sector. It also introduced the option of automatic transmission as standard, reflecting how Bentley’s character was evolving.

The Car

Produced from 1955 to 1959, the S1 used an enlarged 4,887cc version of the inlet-over-exhaust six producing around 155bhp. The new body was longer and wider than the R Type with a lower roofline. A standard steel saloon and a long-wheelbase variant were offered alongside various coachbuilt alternatives. The S1 Continental used Mulliner and Park Ward bodies for the most discerning customers. Around 3,072 standard S1s were built.

Buying

The S1 offers the S-Series Bentley experience at the lowest entry price. The six-cylinder engine is less exotic than the V8 introduced with the S2 but is refined and well-understood by specialists. Bentley S-Series cars are well-supported by the Bentley Drivers Club and established marque specialists.