1958 Bentley S1 Continental Park Ward Fixed Head Coupe
Of the 431 S1 Continental sedans and coupes produced from 1955 to 1959, Park Ward would manufacture bodies for 185 cars. This particular example is even more exclusive, with it being ordered on only 11 left-hand drive chassis per the Rolls-Royce Foundation. The design gives the car a wonderful sense of presence while remaining light and airy for the passengers due to the large windows framed in delicate pillars. Technically, the S1 Continental was one of the last Bentley models fitted with the Rolls-Royce-designed inline 4.9-liter six-cylinder. A tried and true powerplant that famously produced 'sufficient' levels of power to allow for high-speed touring in silent comfort.
This particular S1 Continental retains its original matching numbers engine and wears a superb restoration with an eye for authenticity. Chassis no. BC35LDJ also benefits from a known chain of long-term and prominent owners since new. The initial purchase order was placed by Luis Enrique Prez Velutini, the son of Henrique Perez Dupuy, a prominent economist and banker who fueled Venezuela's economic revolution with the founding of the Banco Venezolano de Crdito and the Central Bank of Venezuela. Indeed, many great cars were imported to Venezuela during this period as it became one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It is unknown why, but when the S1 reached Caracas, it would be Mr. Prez Velutini's cousin Miguel H. Veluini who would take ownership of the new Bentley. It must be said that it was delivered to the right owner as it would remain in the care of his family until it was sold to Diego Bustillos Beiner, a prominent lawyer and fellow Venezuelan connoisseur, in 1996. Previous research indicates that under this ownership, a multi-year restoration was undertaken to bring the S1 Continental to a beautiful level of finish. The bodywork was stripped to bare metal, the ideal surface for the new metallic sand paintwork. The original numbers-matching engine, equipped with the optional power steering, was refreshed and is still fitted to this motorcar today. The interior leather, reportedly sourced from Connolly just prior to them ceasing production in 2002, adds an additional layer of authentic detail to the restoration. The lush pile of the Wilton wool carpets provides a beautiful contrast to the glass-like finish of the burl wood dashboard, creating a superbly comfortable and luxurious.
Following the restoration, the car was brought to the US a decade ago by Diego Beiner's daughter, whereafter the previous owner acquired it, becoming essentially just the third caretaker in 65 years. It was shown at the 2017 Amelia Island Concours dElegance and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, in 2019. Quite possibly the only S1 Continental with the thin pillar Park Ward design number 872 coachwork to grace the roads of Venezuela, this 1958 Fixed Head Coupe stands apart not only for its remarkable design, rarity, and unique delivery location but due to its traceable, long-term history within one of Venezuela's most influential families. Today, as a result of its high-quality, body-off nut and bolt restoration and bespoke special coachwork, it is prime to provide its new owner the same unique blend of effortless power, sumptuous comforts, and sophisticated style that will propel its winged 'B' mascot across the Concours stage or across the Continent. Offered with tools, owners handbook, copies of factory documentation, Venezuelan registration documents, and recent service records.
Chassis No. BC35LDJ
Engine No. BC34D - According to the Rolls-Royce Foundation, this is one of only 11 Fixed Head Coupes with thin pillar Park Ward design number 872 coachwork built on a left-hand drive chassis
- Desirable wraparound rear window and small tailfins
- Originally delivered to Venezuela; owned by two families since new
- Retains its original, numbers matching engine
- The recipient of a superb multi-year restoration with an eye for authenticity
- Recently fitted with air conditioning by Vantage Motorworks
- A timelessly elegant grand touring car, equally at home on the open road or the concours lawn
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