Bentley S1

Infobox Automobile


name =Bentley S1
manufacturer=Bentley
production =1955–1959
3538 produced
predecessor =R Type
successor =S2
aka =Bentley S1 Continental
related =Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
wheelbase =convert|123|in|mm|abbr=on
3225.8 mm (127 in)
width =convert|74|in|mm|abbr=on
length =convert|212|in|mm|abbr=on
engine =4.9 L I6
transmission=4-speed automatic
4-speed manualThe Bentley S1 was a luxury car produced by Bentley Motors Limited from 1955 through 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.

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 convert|103|mph|km/h|abbr=on and could accelerate from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on in 13.1 seconds. A fuel consumption of convert|16.1|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus was recorded. The test car, which had the optional power steering, cost £3605 including taxes of £1803. cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned |title = The Bentley S Series| journal =The Motor| volume = | pages = | date = July 10, 1957]

Production

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

References