Arguably the most sought-after coachwork on the Bentley S1 Continental chassis, H.J. Mulliner’s fastback sports saloon, style number 7400, was the modern evolution of and successor to their iconic original design for the R-Type Continental. Specifically designed and constructed to be light in weight, utilizing alloy panels of aluminum and magnesium as before, it ensured maximum performance from the chassis beneath and was frequently requested by sporting gentlemen and ladies, the types who would have owned a “W.O.” Bentley back in the 1930s.

A total of 119 examples of this treasured design were produced for the S1 Continental chassis, 97 of them on right-hand-drive chassis.

Chassis number BC87BG, offered here, was finished in a striking combination of Circassian Blue over Light Blue leather, with an automatic transmission. It was delivered in May 1954 to the original owner Donald C. Deeprose, Esq., of Cheam, Surrey, to whom it was registered as DN 123. A study of coachbuilt Rolls-Royces and Bentleys often reveals the intriguing, occasionally unlikely ways in which one can afford such grand transportation—in Mr. Deeprose’s instance, it was as a successful importer of tropical fruits.

The car’s original buff British registration book, included within the history file, notes a continuous succession of further caretakers, the last of which, Peter Sealey of New Canaan, Connecticut, acquired it from loving owner Robert McLaren in 1985 and ushered it Stateside. Mr. Sealey appears to have subsequently moved with the car to Georgia, and he listed it with the Rolls-Royce Owners Club as late as 1993; he retained it until 2006, with invoices through his ownership included within the file. Most notably, the drivetrain was rebuilt in 1997 by DeLong’s Automotive of Campbell, California. After leaving Mr. Sealey’s long-term care, the Continental then belonged to Ratul Roy of New York City, for whom Automotive Restorations of Connecticut installed seatbelts for modern road use, then was part of a prominent enthusiast’s collection in Southampton, New York.

In very charming and attractive overall condition, in its original color of Circassian Blue and with an appealingly patinaed interior, this would be a wonderful S1 Continental for its new owner to use and enjoy, in Rolls-Royce Owners Club events or in any number of tours and rallies worldwide. The temptation to return it to Europe, for a continental “jaunt” in a Continental, will be undeniable!