Description
The tremendous success Bentley enjoyed with the R Type Continental continued onto the S Series chassis in late 1955 with a range of new bodies available to collectors. The Park Ward drophead coupe was originally the brainchild of legendary coachwork designer John Blatchley who had been involved in the styling of the R Type Continental by H. J. Mulliner. Six R Type Continental chassis were delivered to the Park Ward works, which were then owned by Rolls-Royce. Blatchley was given the task of styling the four drophead coupes and the two further fixed head coupes on the R Type Continental chassis, a design which was later slightly adapted for the marginally longer S1Continental chassis.
Chassis number BC48DJ is the thirty-fifth of just fifty-eight right hand drive all aluminium bodied drophead coupes by Park Ward for the S1 Continental chassis built to Design No 700. This design is widely regarded to be the most attractive post war Bentley with open coachwork and one that is highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
It was originally completed in March of 1958 to the order of Mr G. R. Kennerley of Vernons Pools Ltd in Liverpool. It was finished in moorland grey and ruby red with a grey green leather interior and was supplied to Mr Kennerley by H. R. Owen Ltd in London. It was specified with power aerial and power operated hood and windows.
He retained the car until August 1965 and then sold it to Mr M Clayton. Some decades later Chassis No BC48DJ became the property of Mr Felix Furlonger who also owned an S1 Continental Coupe by Park Ward in fixed head coupe form, an S1 Continental for winter and one for summer. The livery of the car was changed during Mr Furlongers ownership, to sable with a beige hood and matching beige leather interior.
Frank Dale purchased the car from Mr Furlonger and supplied to the present owner in February 2012. After around a year of ownership, the present owner instructed us to restore the car for him. The works included full coachwork restoration and a re-paint in bronze, restoration of the chrome, a new hood in black mohair, a new interior in tan leather and matching carpets, restoration of the woodwork, the addition of air conditioning as well as a full mechanical review with works including overhauling the engine, brakes, suspension, and steering. Since completion around a decade ago the car has been sparingly used but properly maintained. It still presents in superb condition in every respect and drives beautifully. A top class example of this very popular model which should be seen in person to be truly appreciated.
