Bentley S1 saloon, 1956 information

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In the year 1931 the famous Bentley firm was taken over by Rolls Royce. Since that moment Bentley was the second top class Rolls Royce brand for clients who wanted more sportive automobiles with improved road holding capabilities. All models were based on Rolls Royce models (except the magnificent Bentley Continental R) but they were mechanically modified on some details and the cars were given the beautiful Bentley grille.

The Bentley S model series was introduced in the year 1955.
The Bentley S1 saloon was the first representative of the S series. In 1959 the six cylinder Bentley S1 was succeeded by the Bentley S2 saloon which featured a new, almost completely silent, V8 engine. From this moment on the factory also built Drop Head Coupe models (DHC) of the S series.
In the year 1962 the last S series model saw the light of day: the Bentley S3. The S3 featured a re-designed front with lower bonnet, wings and grille and new head lamp clusters with quad headlamps. The fine 6230 cc. V8 engine was carried over unchanged.
According to Bentley adepts the S3 model was the last "real Bentley" since the succeeding T model was an exact copy of the Rolls Royce sister model (Silver Cloud). Just another grille and badge would not make the car a true Bentley.
The Bentley S3 was built until 1965 after 1328 Bentley S3 cars head been crafted and assembled by hand. 

Technical data

Six cylinder engine
2 S.U. carburettors
cylinder capacity: 4887 cc.
capacity: approx. 175 bhp.
top-speed: 165 km/h.
gearbox: 4- speed automatic
brakes: servo assisted drum brakes all round
weight: 1975 kg.


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