Registration – PSK 886

Chassis No. – B214AN

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 83,105

This imposing and extravagant 1956 Bentley S1 has a coachbuilt Hooper body finished in ivory and black. It is understood just 39 cars were produced in aluminium alloy to this design number, 8430, making it a very rare find today. ‘PSK886’ presents well, with enthusiast ownership evidenced by radiator grille badges from the VSCC, Royal Automobile Club and Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club. Notably, it has had just three previous keepers. The cream leather interior is bright and welcoming, with well-matched real wood veneer. Beautiful instruments carry the famous Bentley ‘B’ logo, with an inset Smiths clock, and the starter switch has a nice patina as evidence of its 83,100-mile odometer reading. Underneath the classic split bonnet, the 4.9-litres straight-six engine presents well, with plenty of period details. Overall, the condition is described as ‘average’.

The rear compartment is ultra-luxurious, with lashings of leather, a broad centre armrest and wood veneer tables in the front seat backs. The double-deck boot is richly trimmed and includes a spare wheel and jack. ‘PSK886’ also comes with the original Bentley S Type handbook and a thick collection of invoices and receipts. This even includes a wonderful letter from Hooper & Co’s sales manager in 1991 offering advice on spare parts. A Mr. Ratcliffe said he would be delighted to receive photographs of the car, which was undergoing restoration at the time, and wished the owner the best of luck with it.

Hooper was a British coachbuilder founded way back in 1805. Holding a royal warrant from 1830, it was renowned for its top-tier luxury carriages produced to the highest standards. It evolved from horse-drawn carriages to producing flamboyant coachbuilt bodies for motor vehicles, particularly separate-chassis Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Even after it was acquired by Daimler, this continued for decades, and it was only Rolls-Royce’s decision to stop producing rolling chassis for the motor trade that led to the Hooper ceasing production in 1959, becoming a sales and service company instead.

In summary:

• 1956 Hooper-bodied Bentley S1
• Rich history file and original handbook
• Believed to have been restored in the 1990s.