Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupé By Park Ward

• RREC Concours Class Winner
• Extensively restored and meticulously maintained, with detailed records on file
• Absolutely stunning Connaught Green with Light Tan Connolly Vaumol leather
• Over £60,000 invested in the past 24 months
• Interior fully retrimmed, featuring modern A/C, an upgraded alternator, an enlarged radiator, and an enhanced cooling fan
• Owned by a succession of renowned Bentley collectors
• Perfectly prepared for its next concours and touring events

The Bentley S1 Continental represents the pinnacle of post-war British luxury motoring. Designed to combine effortless performance with peerless craftsmanship, the Continental was the car of choice for discerning enthusiasts who demanded style, exclusivity, and comfort in equal measure. Built to conquer long-distance touring in luxury, it remains a benchmark for elegance and sophistication to this day.

First introduced in 1955, the S1 Continental succeeded the iconic R-Type Continental, carrying forward the same ethos of effortless high-speed touring in true Bentley fashion. Underpinned by a new box-section chassis, the S1 introduced numerous technical advancements, including improved brakes, updated suspension, and a larger, more powerful 4.9-litre straight-six engine shared with its Rolls-Royce siblings. However, what truly set the Continental apart was its exclusivity. Each car was a coachbuilt masterpiece, tailored to the tastes and requirements of its original owner. These were no ordinary Bentleys—they were symbols of success and sophistication, coveted by royalty, captains of industry, and connoisseurs of fine automobiles.

Among the coachbuilders entrusted with bringing these magnificent cars to life, Park Ward Ltd. stood out as one of the finest. Known for their exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, Park Ward bodied 185 of the 431 S1 Continentals built between 1955 and 1959. Of these, only 122 were delivered in right-hand drive, making this example particularly rare. Originally built as a fixed-head coupé, this car was delivered new to A.C. Johnson Esq of Sevenoaks, Kent, and later passed through the hands of several notable owners.

By the late 1980s, this S1 Continental had already cemented its place as a cherished classic. In 1987, its then-owner commissioned respected marque specialists A.B. Price Ltd. to carry out a painstaking restoration, which included converting the car to a drophead coupé configuration. This was no ordinary conversion; the process involved disassembling an original Park Ward drophead coupé to replicate its constructional details exactly. Every component, from the seats to the windscreen and hood frame, was recreated with the utmost precision, resulting in a car that is visually and structurally indistinguishable from a factory-built drophead.

In 2000, the car entered the ownership of renowned Bentley enthusiast Paul Conway, who embarked on an extensive second restoration to elevate its quality even further. The chassis, suspension, engine, and gearbox were rebuilt, while the bodywork underwent a bare-metal repaint in the stunning Connaught Green—a colour that perfectly complements the car’s timeless lines. The interior was retrimmed in sumptuous Light Tan Connolly Vaumol leather, providing an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury. Modern upgrades, including air conditioning, an upgraded alternator, an enlarged radiator, and an enhanced cooling fan, were discreetly added to enhance usability while preserving the car’s originality. A photographic record of this meticulous work is included in the car’s extensive history file.

This remarkable Bentley has enjoyed a celebrated life, earning numerous accolades, including an RREC Concours Class win and the title of ‘Most Elegant Car in Show’ at the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club’s Annual Concours d’Elegance in 2003. Over the past 24 months alone, more than £60,000 has been invested to ensure the car remains in impeccable condition, reflecting the dedication of its previous custodians.

Today, this Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupé is a true masterpiece of design, craftsmanship, and engineering. Its Connaught Green paintwork still gleams beautifully, while the Light Tan leather interior has matured to a wonderfully mellowed patina, exuding warmth and character. Equipped with overdrive for effortless high-speed cruising, this car is as practical as it is elegant, making it ideal for long-distance tours or prestigious concours events.

Owning a Bentley S1 Continental is an invitation to join an elite group of enthusiasts who appreciate the finer things in life. With its exquisite design, rarity, and impeccable provenance, this example offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history—perfectly prepared and ready for its next chapter.

Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call to book an appointment.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information but errors may occur. Please check with a salesperson.