By the late 1950s, American automakers were embracing jet age styling with copious chrome trim and extravagant fins. Bentley wasn’t so fickle. Its basic designs evolved at a comparatively glacial pace, although there were several coachbuilders that blended their own style into Bentley’s design framework. This fantastic example, purchased new by thriller auteur Alfred Hitchcock, is one of just 16 examples of the H.J. Mullliner-built S1 Continental in left-hand drive. It recently sold for $300,900 (£229K) on Bring a Trailer. Equipped with high-capacity air conditioning, this would have been one of the most luxurious modes of transport one could have in 1958, and it looks as good today as it did 66 years ago.
Records show that Hitchcock ordered the car on 20 May 1958, eight days before his acclaimed film Vertigo would open in theatres. Delivery was exactly one month later. Hitchcock likely would have been breaking in the car during the making of North by Northwest. While Hitchcock had a long and illustrious career, this era was a particularly fruitful stretch, with Psycho up next in his filmography. The sale includes plenty of hand-written documentation noting its famous buyer.
The well-proportioned lines of the H.J. Mulliner Flying Spur saloon are less formal than the upright, rigid design that came straight from the factory in Crewe. The softer lines manage to strike a nice balance between stately and athletic, like a linebacker in a tuxedo rather than a fitted tailcoat. Still, its Bentley lineage is apparent, especially the front fenders, which evoke an art deco locomotive. The stance is a bit tall, which is all the better to provide plenty of suspension travel and keep passengers riding in comfort.
Power comes from a 4.9-litre F-head inline-six that produces 178bhp by way of twin SU carburettors. That’s not a staggering output by today’s standards, but it would have been more than adequate at the time. Truth be told, its output is rather impressive considering the F-head arrangement makes it a hybrid that’s half flathead and half OHV.
These cars weren’t purchased for their performance, however. The real draw comes from the build quality and luxury. That’s most apparent in the opulent interior, which is upholstered in tan leather and trimmed with wood burl. Credit for the restored upholstery goes to Mark Larder of Homer, Michigan, and it looks good as new.
This car previously traded hands for $204,400 (£155K) at RM’s Arizona sale in January this year. At the time, our valuation specialists graded the car as #2 (excellent) due to its well-preserved restoration that showed “handsome paint and chrome other than a tiny chip on the left B-pillar.” The interior was noted to have little wear and the wood trim was called out for its beautiful appearance. “Famous ownership helps this car, but it’s desirably configured and beautifully presented as well,” the notes added. Simply put, no matter who ordered the car, it’s still in fantastic shape and a great combination of original coachwork and restoration.
It seems that its previous sale must not have brought out many film lovers, as the price showed little premium for its celebrity ownership. In fact, it sold far below it’s #2 valuation of £275,000. This time it came closer, though to be fair these cars don’t command the premium in the US that they do here. In any case, it seems to have found a fan. Hopefully this elegant Bentley’s new owners appreciate both its fantastic current state and its unique ownership history.
