Car Spot: Bentley S1

Looks like a Rolls Royce but it’s not

So I pull up to grab some beer at a local convenience store and right next to me is this cool-looking Rolls, or I thought it was until I spotted the Bentley B on it. An image search shows it being a Bentley S1, this week’s car spot.

This is one of just 3,538 produced between 1955 and 1959. Not sure what year since they all look about the same. I wasn’t far off in thinking this was a Rolls because the S1 was derived from the Silver Cloud. Powered by a 4.9 L straight-6 a British magazine was able to get it to go 0-60 in just over 13 seconds and a top speed of 103. Not bad for a car riding on a 123-inch wheelbase. A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard.

RELATED Spot: An affordable British collectible the MGB Roadster

Back in 1957, the car tested in the speed run cost £6305, $7,223.29 in USD and adjusted for inflation $78,585.34 now. What are they worth? 1955s average from $133.000 to $332,000. In the next two years, they really jump in price. Ones in mint condition have sold at auction anywhere from $1.6M to $1.8M but the average prices are in the mid $60s. That’s pretty wild and plus one ended up here in Wisconsin.

RELATED Spot: England’s answer to the Jeep, the Land Rover Series IIA

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to check out my other spots and reviews on our site. Stop back next Friday for another one of my spots and have a great weekend.