Sold
Car & Classic

1956 Bentley S1 Saloon by James Young

Sold for

£17,500

Ended 26 Jul 2026

Data from Car & Classic, updated on 10 Oct 2026

Year
1956
Mileage
107,605 miles
Gearbox
Automatic
Engine
4992cc
Colour
Black
Location
Hampshire, United Kingdom

Specification

Fuel
Petrol
Steering
Right Hand Drive
Auction house guide
£14,750 – £20,250

Description

Highlights

  • Very rare James Young-bodied Bentley S1
  • Unfinished restoration with huge potential
  • Reported to be mechanically sound, running and driving well
  • Interior woodwork has been restored

The Appeal

This Bentley S1 by James Young is among the rarest surviving pieces of mid-century British coachbuilding. James Young, one of the country's most distinguished coachbuilders, produced only a small number of bespoke bodies on the S1 chassis, making each surviving example a notable find.
This car is an unfinished restoration project, halted due to bereavement, that has already seen meaningful progress. The bodywork has been painted, and the interior woodwork restored, while the vendor states the car runs and drives well mechanically. Some painted areas now require attention after a period of storage, and the interior needs a retrim.
If you know these cars, you'll also know that opportunities like this are too rare to let pass you by.

Key Information

  • Mileage: 107,605 miles (indicated)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
  • Technical specs: 4.9-litre straight-six petrol, three-speed automatic
  • Paperwork: V5C, period Bentley paperwork, old California Title

The Detail

  • Restoration was halted due to bereavement
  • Bodywork has been painted, though some areas require attention following a period in storage
  • Presentable paint and chrome
  • Interior requires a re-trim, but the woodwork has been restored
  • Woodwork and trim not currently fitted (see photographs)
  • Whitewall tyres fitted
  • The car's underside presents well and can be studied in the photographs
  • Well-presented engine compartment
  • Reported to run and drive, appearing in good mechanical condition

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.

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