Bentley S1 review - the 50s luxury classic car you MUST try before you die!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 чер 2024
- Today's car is coming up for sale with Bidding Classics - if you want to be the first to view this or reserve it, give them a call on 0191 460 0707 or view their website www.biddingclassics.com
__________
Bentley S1
Before I begin telling you about this car, I want to express thanks to Doctor Andrew Roberts who has generously shared knowledge and literature on this car to enable me to create the video.
Now back to the Bentley S1, or as some call it, the S.
And we cannot begin talking about the S1 without talking about Rolls Royce, for it was Rolls Royce who in 1950 decided to begin work on the Silver Cloud which ultimately led to the S1 we have here today.
Grylls, who was heading up the project and the future chief engineer, was given a pretty thorough brief on his design. One of those elements was that the car needed to use the existing 4,887cc engine.
Remember, that B series straight six was an engine first brought to life in the early part of the 20th century and has been used in all sorts including British military vehicles - it’s not something to be sniffed at.
Coachwork however, was a little more fluid and Blatchley, who was new to the role at the time of Chief Stylist at Rolls created the coachwork which was constructed from 20 gauge steel on a box section - reportedly 50% stronger than the Silver Dawn.
The car used its predecessor’s coil and wishbone front suspension, with something new: a semi-trailing configuration to increase well movement and and a rear anti roll bar.
After 5 years of careful planning and work, the S1 and the Silver Cloud debuted in April 1955, marking an important moment in the joint history for both brands with the Silver Cloud being the first Rolls to share exactly the same engine with the Bentley counterpart.
But what’s in a name? Well, about £135 actually, because whilst the Rolls came in at £5,079, the Bentley was a bargain £4,944 - which is roughly four times the cost of the Rover P4 75 of that year.
But what of this car today - what’s her history after nearly 70 years of adventures? Well first of all, she comes armed with a giant suitcase of paperwork. Owned by the same person for over 50 years, there’s a familiar level of high end consistent good work across the car and the respray has been done to a jolly high standard.
A bit of sleuthing shows the car as first being registered in 1961, but this is due to the car coming over from Ireland and being re-registered I believe and nothing untoward is at hand.
With just over 3,500 of these made, I’ve only seen a few, but it’s definitely the nicest of the bunch and refreshingly honest. But what about the interior? Well let me talk you through that in a little more detail… - Авто та транспорт
Very nice test! I am owning a 1958 S1 for 38 years with powersteering and a rebuilt working factory AC. My grandfather bought it new and gave it to me when he was 95.
lucky you
Edwin, I'd say you were a lucky guy.
That's cool
Years ago when I lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a friend of mine owned a '56 Bentley S2, sand on sable. He named it "Her Majesty." Right-hand drive, which was very exotic in the USA. Every outing in that beautiful, stately car was an EVENT! She really drew a crowd. Thanks for the memories evoked by this excellent post!
S2 didn’t come out until late ‘59. S1 came out in ‘55. Still beautiful, stately cars.
What a beautiful car Steph ,the days when Britain made beautiful looking and well engineered cars ,even if they were for the chosen few
What a motor and Steph you look fantastic!
I went for two job interviews in the late 60s as apprentice electrician , got both jobs ( yes really ) had to go home to decide which firm to work for .what swung it for me ? The boss of the company I ended working for drove a Bentley like that !
A tip I was once given about prospective employers: Take a look at the employees car park. Not the whole picture but it says a lot.
i drove one when i worked at a hotel as porter driver beautiful car to drive
My brother worked for Performance Cars in the 1950s based on the Great West Road out of London in the UK.
He delivered cars to rich customers in the UK and he told me that the Bentley S1 was his favourite drive.
What a beautiful car. Probably the nicest you've tested. 😀
One of the most beautiful cars Bentley have ever made in my opinion, and if I were ever in a position to afford a Bentley it would be one of these.
I agree. The Bentley S1, S2 and S3 were handsome, imposing cars with great road presence. Sadly, the genteel era in UK ,which they represent, has long since gone. I doubt that the oiks driving BMW 's, Audi's, Mercedes would show it any respect on the road these days. 😢
Well, you can certainly afford to buy one. But keeping it on the road is another matter.
My favourite Bentley .I worked at Rolls main dealers JCT 600 in the body shop and have worked on these elegant cars .
Lucky you! I bet that’s fun
@@idriveaclassic A lovely car, to me so much better looking than new models from this company.
A proper car . Built for a gentleman. Modern Bentleys are built for footballers.
I'd have a Bentley over a Rolls Royce any day, they just seem more elegant - isn't it silly how it's all in a name ! A great video - obviously, and I have to say, you are looking fabulous today. Take special care 🙂 X X
Beautiful Steph, car not too bad either 😉.
Super car. How you drove that with that great big long bonnet I'll never know! You're looking well! Regards Roger
Just about the most elegant car ever made. Superb.
A beautiful car made to a standard rarely seen today! My father owned an S2 and an S2 Continental Flying Spur at one point. Incredible cars. Rgds, Joachim
Five grand in 1951 is worth £125 grand in today's money. Looking at the ludicrous prices of modern Rolls and Bentley cars, a total snip!
Bentley S1, what a car! Thanks for sharing your experience of this amazing vehicle. Love and peace.
I got to drive a '57 S1 around 1980. Frankly it was a bit of an old banger because the guy who owned it had bought it dirt cheap with a lot of faults he couldn't afford to remedy. Despite this you could tell it was a great car hidding beneath the shabby paintwork and derelict interior. Certainly it's big old straight-six, 4.9 litre, engine moved it along nicely.
A most enjoyable video well done & best of luck in 2023 with the channel 👍👍
A word about tobacco and leather. My Uncle Chuck had a 1954 Mercury convertible, with leather seats. He smoked cigars. I loved to ride in his car! I was about 5 years old at the time, and the smell of leather and tobacco is one I remember at age 70. Really enjoy your show.
Love the four speed Hydramatic transmission on the column and the overall workmanship...
I had a chance to own an S1 but owing to moving back to the Colonies I chose not to buy it and I regret it now
Oh, yes! That car is magnificent, Steph, and you did a wonderful job of describing it. The retrim on the front seats was done with what appears to be the original Connelly hides, which is why the colour is such a good match. To my eye the pleats appear a little flat compared to the rear seat, but that may be what I'm viewing on. You are right, the gearbox is a General Motors unit. I believe it is the 4 speed Hydramatic engineered by Oldsmobile. For a long time Rolls-Royce used GM gearboxes because they were quiet, smooth shifting, durable, and able to handle the torque output. Funny story. With the 3 speed Turbo Hydramatic 400 gearbox, Rolls-Royce was building them under license. The first lot did not work. The craftsmen at in Crewe finished everything to the typically high standard of the company. They had to learn to make the parts to the lower standard of GM, and the gearboxes worked perfectly.
When it comes to the brakes and handling, those tyres are bias belted and the brakes are drum. Care is required.
The GM Turbo Hydramatic was probably to best automatic transmission in the mid 1950s.
@@michaelhalsall5684 The automatic gearbox in the 50s was the Hydramatic, not the Turbo. It was a 4 speed box. The Turbo-Hydramatic 400 came later
Wow, what a stunning example. Its going to make someone very happy. I love the way you combine the tecnical information with a stylish presentation and personal perspective..
I have driven the previous model with the manual gearchange on the right. I did not notice the steering being heavy however that back when most cars did not have power steering...
This is such a lovely shape - almost bought a s2 in pieces for £3k a few years back - chickened out due to the spares prices. I’d love one today if I had the money. Great vid Steph as usual - thanks
Thanks for showing a fine example of this classic vehicle!
When I was a senior in high school, I was attending a big Italian family dinner and my uncle's friend, who owned a 1960 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud handed me the keys to his car and said: 'take your girlfriend (who was later to become my wife) for a ride'. I gulped down the rest of my cocktail, grabbed my girl by the hand and practically ran to the driveway where this beauty was parked. When I started it, I had to check the tach to make sure that it was running, due to the smoothness of that big engine. The power curve was smooth as silk, the torque coming on equally irregardless of the RPMs. Took a little jaunt on the freeway and was going way south of 100 MPH without even realizing it. When I got back, my head was spinning from the thrill of taking that magnificent machine out for a drive. That was the best 'test drive' I ever took in my life. Sadly, that car was destroyed in a garage fire several years later, along with a 1948 MG touring car.
Wow, just wow! Stunning! Excellent review as always. Love this channel
Really enjoyed this video Steph. I always admired the Rolls Royces and Bentleys of this era and, once again, I really felt like I was sitting in the car with you. Looking forward to the next video.
A great British classic. Thanks for sharing Steph 🙂👍
Bentley is one of those marques that command respect. Drivers usually treat you quite differently on the road. Great car Steph and good review as always. You look very classy behind the wheel.
Great video as always xxx
Great video, both looking fantastic.
Hi Steph, I found it interesting that you mentioned this Bentley was originally registered in Ireland, and after a little research "RI" was a Dublin reg.
Another great video Steph. I'm quite impressed with the picture quality on your videos. 👍
Very nice. Can see this car has been well cared for. Can’t get over how quiet it is. Thanks for the video
Beautiful car Steph, I have always adored these.
Beautiful car inside and out.
Wow what a lovely luxurious and quiet car that is - great vid - cheers Steph
Nice review, thank you 😃
Thanks Steph for another great video. This is a superb model of this classic Car.
Great vid Steph! (as usual! 😁)
Loved your commentary , best i have heard for years . Perfect English, no silly words ! That don't make sense. Brilliant .
Thanks for all your great videos ❤
Another great video and what a beautiful car
Good girl Steph. Another original road test just in the right format. Love the way you handle these great Models of Yesteryear (by any other name). Great stuff, just gotta see more. Love ya Steph, and keeeeeeeeeep driving.
I dealt with a garage which had the Silver Cloud version in for work. They said that without power steering it was like driving a three-ton truck. Also, at parking speeds that gearbox-driven brake servo contributed nothing to stopping power, and a firm grasp of the handbrake was essential. Definitely leave it to the chauffeur!
I once drove a LWB example from James Young. Imagine all those engineering shortcomings in an even larger vehicle! It was very difficult. We owned an older (1952) Packard Caribbean that was orders of magnitude superior to Bentley and very pleasant to drive.
I had three Mk 6 Bentleys (at different times) and the manual steering was very light. I never had the slightest problem with the brakes and that was in London traffic. As if Bentley would put out a car which needed the handbrake to stop it normally.
@@sandyyoung8211I think that the handbrake was used, because the rear brake shoes required adjustment.
Very posh an classy. Awesome video. 🙂🙂
luv all the detail here, Steph. Its a great vid and a big big motorcar! thanks for all the inside fototage too! V posh! x
You are so right about tobacco smoke stinking up and otherwise ruining leather seats. Been there ... done that with a 1996 Audi A4, bought 9 years old. Front seats practically disintegrated during the 12 years we had it.
Thanks to persons both before and behind the camera for allowing the rest of us to live vicariously. Great added bonus with the presenter's keen fashion sense often paying homage to both vehicle and era.
Lovely review! Cheers.
Great review! Well done.😊
The audio was fine, your presentation was fine and the car suited you perfectly!
Utterly fabulous car, great video!
In my childhood village in Swedish “Yorkshire” there is a 55-Silvercloud. The ride in the backseat was very comfy!
Such a nice reportage ! You really let the majesty of this superb car shine through !
Excellent review as always Steph and what a beautiful looking Bentley.
Beautiful classic! A treat to see
Beautiful car and another good video 🚘🚙🚗⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍👍👍👍
real sophistication steph
Agree x
Wow, what a nice car and video! Steph, here is a small but important improvement that could be made to your videos: Try to adjust the audio level on your mic or software, because it sounds like the audio level is maxxed at moments and it makes it sound bad.
A family friend inherited her father’s 1959 S2 in the 1980s and took us for drives a few times. Riding in the back was particularly pleasant, just the safest and most relaxing feeling. When we parked to have a coffee, people stopped to admire it - kids loved it.
"Safety" was an illusion. But they were/are beautiful.
Your hair colour works well with the interior.
Nice informative video Steph. I have a late 1958 Cloud that I have owned twice totalling 24 years since 1984. I live in Calgary Canada & "Elizabeth" has 107000 miles & is a Canadian spec original survivor including paint, chrome, leather, carpets, woodwork & headliner. I'm 76 & bought it first time back in 1984 when I was 37. Driving it makes me feel young again 😜. These were the best cars Crewe ever built & have a quality & presence modern Rolls-Royces & Bentleys just don't have. Best of both eras , classic looks & able to cruise @ 80 MPH on the highway with 2 fingers on the steering wheel.Doubt if I will ever sell it.
That is one beautiful car 😊.
You look great!
And you're showing us a great automobile.
Thank you.
a lovely car, deserves some respect too!
Lovely car great review. 🤗👍
Thank you Ali!
That's the car for you Steph our Queen of the highways great review
What a well loved and cared for S1. Steph keep a look out for a SAAB 900 classic to review.
Absolutely stunning, the cars looks pretty good too.
Hi Stef,if nothing else, something I thought ever say your a excellent driver.and I can't decide on the wight loss ,love your voice.clive
Sheer class !! and so is the car !! :-)
Lovely car Steph my dad would love to get driven around in one there is a roll’s equivalent what goes to a local car meet great video
Steph, you're looking very posh today! Terrific vlog!
Steph: Finally you test your own car!....THIS fits you perfectly.
Great piece Steph. My parents paid £3500 for their 3-bed first house in 1953, so that puts the price in perspective
Great report on the Bentley Steph, and the new look and manner is very professional. This will lead you on to a great career Steph, and you made it all from nothing. Be proud girl, you’re doing well. Cheers from Australia
That Bentley is so you, I always enjoy your videos, keep up the good work. Thank you. Champagne? Cheers 🥂
Fantastic research on a beautiful car…really interesting.
At last, you've found a car that really suits you.
What a truly wonderful example
I could almost smell the leather !
Thanks a lot for that Bentley experience.
sweet old ride, really like the pre dual headlight cars.
Like the yellow Micra in the car park.
Nice drive & commentary
Legend has it that the sight of one of these or it's R-R equivalent inspired Bill Mitchell in the design of the '63 and onwards Buick Riviera.
Gorgeous car! Thanks for the video .btw please do a video on austin cambridge a55 mk2 .thank you .
a thing of beauty is a joy forever
Good Video Steph Good Classic Car Love Your Outfit & I Love Your Videos
Thank GOD it's not one of Cameron's cars again like the two rolls. Although it would be a very stylish car to tow a caravan around. 😜 Lovely Video Steph 👍
Those were some decent cars 🙏🏼. This is such a belter tho x
You heathen!😁
What a stunning car
I think the Bentley S1s are among the nicest styled cars ever produced. Always thought these were classier than the RRs. Thanks for video.
Just wonderful
April 1955... The year I was born... lol One of the true beauties of the era (the car, not me !) and in my view by far the most beautiful shape of its time. As you say, lucky new owner...
What a lovely car - though I suspect the running costs would be atrocious. Loved your choice of outfit, too - your hair almost matches the trim colour!
Thanks!
Love the nod to the chauffer outfit -:) One of the prettiest sedan designs*, though I'd probably opt for the S2 for the V8 and additional features. The S3 did no favors with quad headlamps. (*The Flying Spur, in a completely different price range today, does go one better, though in a more sporting, less formal vein)
In the 1967 movie "Robbery" there is a clip of Stanley Baker driving one of these down the M4 with the speedo needle between 90-100mph!