Bentley S1

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Bentley S1
Bentley SI Continental Fastback Coupé. Mulliner Bodyworks
Manufacturer Bentley
Also called Bentley S1 Continental
Production 1955–1959
3538 produced
Assembly Crewe, England
Predecessor R Type
Successor S2
Body style(s) 4-door saloon
2-door coupe
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 4.9 L I6
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
4-speed manual
Wheelbase 123 in (3,100 mm) [1]
3225.8 mm (127 in)
Length 212 in (5,400 mm) [1]
Width 74 in (1,900 mm) [1]
Related Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud

The Bentley S1 was a luxury car produced by Bentley Motors Limited from 1955 until 1959. It marked Bentley's parent, Rolls-Royce, reducing the differences between their Bentley and Rolls-Royce models, with the S1 differing only in its radiator design and badging from the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I.

Bentley S1 sedan (North America)

The models shared the 4.9 L (4887 cc/298 in³) straight-6 engine, with this being the last vehicle to use descendants of the engine originally used in the Rolls-Royce Twenty from 1922 to 1929. The bore was 95.25 mm (3.7 in), stroke was 114.3 mm (4.5 in) and compression ratio 6.6:1. Twin SU carburetors were fitted, with upgraded models from 1957. A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard, with a 4-speed manual available as an option until 1957. Two wheelbases were produced: 123 in (3124 mm) and, from 1957, 127 in (3226 mm).

A somewhat sportier coachbuilt-only S1 Continental was introduced six months later.

A short wheel base car tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1957 had a top speed of 103 mph (166 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 13.1 seconds. A fuel consumption of 16.1 miles per imperial gallon (17.5 L/100 km; 13.4 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car, which had the optional power steering, cost £3605 including taxes of £1803. [1]

[edit] Production

  • S1: 3072 (145 with coachbuilt bodies)
  • S1 long wheelbase: 35 (12 with coachbuilt bodies)
  • S1 Continental: 431

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d "The Bentley S Series". The Motor. July 10, 1957. 
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