Bentley S1 Continental Recreation 1959

History and background

The Bentley S1 Continental Recreation is based on the Bentley S1, the luxury model that Bentley positioned in the second half of the 1950s as a technical and social counterweight to the more famous Rolls-Royce models of the period. The S1 appeared in 1955 as the successor to the Bentley R-Type and the related Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, with a steel platform chassis and a body structure that, in the usual Bentley tradition, left room for different builds and applications. In those years, the emphasis was on comfort, dignity and refined handling, with Bentley continuing to distinguish itself with a sportier image within the luxury segment.

Within that lineage, the Continental version occupied a special place. The Bentley S1 Continental Coupe came as a lighter, more performance-oriented and more exclusive variant, intended for customers who desired a bespoke body and a more Continental look. The original Bentley S1 Continental Coupe was only built in limited numbers; it was estimated to be around 300 to 350 examples. This puts it among the rarer Bentley models from the period before the merger of production structures with Rolls-Royce.

The 1959 Bentley S1 Continental Recreation is in keeping with that historical context, but does not involve a factory-original Continental Coupe. The underlying premise is a Bentley S1 limousine that was later converted to its current coupe configuration. Such recreations align with the market around classic Bentley cars, in which body styles, historic styling and individually executed restorations play an important role. The car was restored in 2023 by Hooper International in Arnhem, formerly Silver Hill.

Characteristics and special features


The Bentley S1 Continental Recreation is distinguished primarily by its construction as a recreation of a Continental Coupe based on a Bentley S1 limousine. As such, the model deviates from the original factory specification and the body shape determines its current appearance and character. Included with the car is documentation of the work carried out, including a bill for over €66,000 from 2023, as well as a USB with photos of the work, which can be viewed upon request.

According to the appraisal available, the Bentley S1 Continental Recreation is classified as 2+, described as very good and near top condition, with an appraised market value of €335,000. The car is in drivable condition. The interior is described in the supplied data as very well cared for, while the paintwork looks neat with some imperfections. These points are recorded in the documentation that accompanies the Bentley S1 Continental Recreation.


Summary


The Bentley S1 Continental Recreation is a 1959-built recreation of a Bentley S1 Continental Coupe, based on a converted Bentley S1 limousine and equipped with extensive documentation, restoration records and a recent appraisal. To get a good idea of the lot, we recommend coming to the viewing day.