Described by The Autocar as "A new stage in the evolution of the post-war Bentley," the magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high-speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction on the R-Type chassis in 1952. With the arrival of the final generation of six-cylinder cars, the all-new Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type, the Continental lost some of its individuality but none of its exclusivity. Eulogising about Bentley's new 'S' Series cars, introduced in April 1955, The Autocar wrote, "the latest Bentley model offers a degree of safety, comfort and performance that is beyond the experience and perhaps even the imagination of the majority of the world's motorists". 

Later, in October that same year, the Bentley Continental became available on the 'S' chassis. "It brings Bentley back to the forefront of the world's fastest cars," Autocar said of the H J Mulliner-styled fastback, which was the quickest four/five-seater saloon of its day. The Bentley S-Type's new box-section chassis incorporated improved brakes and suspension and an enlarged (to 4,887cc) and more powerful version of the existing inlet-over-exhaust six-cylinder engine, which for the first time was identical in specification in its Rolls and Bentley forms. The Continental version came with shorter radiator and higher gearing and, for a time at least, could be ordered with right-hand change manual transmission. As had been the case with the original R-Type, the new S-Type Continental was only ever available as a coachbuilt car; the designs by independent coachbuilders for the S1 Continental chassis being among era's the most stylish.

The wonderful Bentley Continental Coupé offered here was first registered on 1^st October 1956. Delivered new to Mrs. Dermot Daly of Little Compton Manor, she would have been better known at the time as the Widow of Captain Singer of the Singer sewing machine family. The supplied Bentley build records show the car was specified in Park Ward’s 701 body design and in Shell Grey with red leather interior, the car still boasting the same specification today along with its original registration TGH 895. In 1967 the car was sold to Mr. Allen of Cirencester, (who’s kickplate still adorns the car), it then headed off to the United States before being repatriated to the UK in 1995. Prior to its return, the car underwent significant restoration work at Euro Motors of Washington at a cost of $50,000. In 1998 the car came 2^nd in class having entered the Louis Vuitton China Run driven by Mr. Chalfort Scott and Diana Brocklebank.

Purchased from Christie’s auctioneers in 2001, the next owner was Bob Riding who had enjoyed an illustrious career becoming Group Treasurer of Royal Bank of Scotland, before retiring to the Isle of Man. There he quickly extended his car collection as well as becoming involved in a manner of clubs on the island. Upon his death, he instructed that his collection of cars be sold off with the proceeds being given to his beloved RNLI, of which this car was one. During his ownership the car was well maintained with major servicing including £13,022 with English Automotive Services in 2001 and £9,375 in 2015 and a further £34,000 with Frank Dale and Stepsons in 2019 which included upgrading the power steering, electronic ignition, fitting a Kenlowe fan, renewing the rear wheel bearings, brake master cylinder, fuel pumps, spark plugs etc. The vendor reports the car to run and drive very well having spent £15,461 in April this year with marque specialist Ranmore getting the car absolutely on point.

Supplied with a V5C registration document, copies of original build sheets, many receipts MoT test certificates, photos and much more. To find such a well sorted example of these handsome and refined motor cars is hard enough, let alone to find one with such a great provenance is truly a rarity. Consigned by William Penrose