1958 Bentley S1 Continental Four Door Sports Saloon by James Young

Launched in April 1955 the Bentley SI and the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud were virtually identical with the exception of the grille and badging details. Both of these models were recipients of Managing Director Arthur Sedgreaves' new production and manufacturing techniques, which produced the Standard Steel Saloon.The Standard Steel Saloon fulfilled the company's commercial requirements, but not necessarily those of all its customers. For those preferring something more elegant or more exclusive, England's coachbuilders were still offering bespoke coachwork.As in true coachbuilding tradition, many design variations were possible on the same theme. Those who could afford such cars were limited only by their imagination, particularly regarding interior furnishings and custom touches. Most of the Bentley Ss were bodied by H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward, but James Young of Bromley also decided to produce bespoke coachwork for the S Continental.This four door Continental sporting saloon, often referred to as the "James Young Flying Spur" was very similar in design to the H.J. Mulliner "four light", but the James Young design was smoother and more subtly curvaceous than the Mulliner version. The doors and wings were more rounded in profile with greater "tumblehome" and the boot line curved distinctly downwards in comparison to the more rectangular boot of the Mulliner Flying Spur.

Much time and money has been spent with Croft Engineering who oversaw the restoration of this car during 2005-7. Now in first class condition this beautiful car drives as well as it looks, thanks to its after market Harvey-Bailey handling kit. The car has been fastidiously maintained down the years, and regularly exercised and enjoyed. Prospective bidders should not fail to visit the doccument office, where this remarkable motor car's history file starts with an order verification dated 4th October 1957, it includes full build and design specification sheets, photographs of the restoration and sundry other items, running to well in excess of 150 pages! If you are looking for a "Flying Spur" from the golden age of British coach building, this must surely be a motor car worthy of serious consideration.