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  4. I

Bentley S-Series I gallery (1955–1959)

The first generation Bentley S-Series arrived in 1955 to replace the outgoing R-Type luxury range.

All photos 27 I 8 1955–1959 II 0 1959–1962 III 19 1962–1965
Bentley S-Series I photo 90217 2048 x 1536 19 Sports Saloon 1955-59
Bentley S-Series I photo 90216 2048 x 1536 17 Sports Saloon 1955-59
Bentley S-Series I photo 90215 2048 x 1536 19 Sports Saloon 1955-59
Bentley S-Series I photo 90214 2048 x 1536 19 Sports Saloon 1955-59
Bentley S-Series I photo 90213 2048 x 1536 16 Sports Saloon 1955-59
Bentley S-Series I photo 90212 2048 x 1536 22 Sports Saloon 1955-59
Bentley S-Series I photo 90211 2048 x 1536 17 Sports Saloon 1955-59
Bentley S-Series I photo 90210 2048 x 1536 20 Sports Saloon 1955-59

Introduced in April 1955, the Bentley S1 marked a significant generational leap over the R-Type, sharing its core chassis and mechanical architecture with the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I. It was engineered on a robust separate box-section steel frame equipped with independent front coil spring suspension and semi-elliptic rear leaf springs. Power came from a revised 4.9-litre inline-six engine featuring twin SU carburetors, coupled exclusively to a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission built under GM license. While the vast majority left the Crewe factory as standard steel four-door saloons, a long-wheelbase option was also manufactured alongside high-end bespoke coupe and drophead coupe coachwork penned by H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, and Freestone & Webb. The high-performance S1 Continental was also produced in limited quantities. The S1 enjoyed substantial commercial success across global luxury markets, particularly in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and North America.