9th Jun, 2026 10:00
Classic Cars
56
A 1956 Bentley S1
Registration Number: XMR642
Chassis Number: B348CK
Engine Number: BC174
Odometer Reading: 33576
This matching‑numbers Bentley S1 presents as an extensively restored example of the marque's first post‑R‑Type saloon, powered by the 4.9‑litre straight‑six engine used until the introduction of the S2 in 1959. According to records, the car was completed in May 1956 and delivered new via the Bristol Motor Company to its first owner, Lt Col. Stewart Pitman, on 14 June 1956.
The car has benefitted from a documented restoration reputed to have exceeded £100,000, including a complete gearbox rebuild. The body was taken back to bare metal and refinished in its original colour, Velvet Green, a period‑correct shade offered by Bentley during the S1's production run. The paintwork now presents to a notably high standard.
Inside, the cabin has been fully re‑trimmed in new Beige leather with matching piping, paired with Thorn Herd cloth headlining and new carpets. The walnut veneers, a hallmark of Crewe craftsmanship, have been professionally restored, and all exterior and interior brightwork has been re‑chromed, returning the car to a crisp, fresh appearance.
A comprehensive photographic record accompanies the car, detailing the body‑off restoration process and evidencing the depth of work undertaken. Since completion, the Bentley has been dry‑stored, and while the restoration remains fresh, a period of general recommissioning is advisable as with any older car before regular road use.
With its original matching‑numbers configuration and a restoration carried out to a high standard, this S1 stands as a particularly appealing example of the model.
NOTE: BUYER'S PREMIUM FOR THIS LOT IS 12.5%.
Condition Report
B348CK presents in good order, the seat leather is almost unworn since re trimming, door cards are in good order, but with some discolouration to the lower, bodywork presents very well also, brightwork in very good order having recieved much attention at restoration.
There has been extensive work carried out by Overton Vehicle Overhauls, since 2020, including much investigation into the running,driving and correcting many areas of the initial restoration, from the account paperwork we can see this maintanence and repair came to total £38000 between 2020 and 2023, where the result is evident.
We encourage as with any car of this age and nature to expect some recomissioing work, and for any prospective buyer to come and view the car to satisfy themselves as to the condition and paperwork that accompanies the vehicle.
IN PERSON
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ABSENTEE BIDDING
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You can leave an absentee bid up to half an hour before the start of any sale. Please note when we receive two or more absentee bids for the same amount, the first bid received will be the one taken.
LEAVE COMMISSION BIDS ONLINE
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For further instructions on registering to bid live, please click here.
TELEPHONE BIDDING
If you would like to bid by telephone please contact our team prior to the auction with your details of the lots you are interested in and your full name, address, telephone number(s) and email address. Once our team have entered your bid request you will receive an email confirmation. We will contact you during the sale and one of our team will bid live with you over the phone.
Please note that we normally offer this service for lots with an estimate of £500 or higher and all telephone bid requests must be received by close of business the day before the auction.
Auction: Classic Cars, 9th Jun, 2026
Please note: Motor vehicles and motorcycles (lots 52 and 54-63) are subject to Buyer's Premium at 12.5% plus VAT @20%
Viewing
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 5 June, 10am - 4pm
Saturday 6 June, 10am - 2pm
Sunday 7 June, 10am - 2pm
Monday 8 June, 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 9 June, 9am - 10am
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
Please note that this item is not suitable for a pre-sale automated shipping estimate due to the items weight/size.
The below table shows indicative shipping costs for larger items being delivered within the UK mainland. Please note that all the below costs are purely for indicative purposes and are to be used as a guideline only. If you purchase multiple large items, we will combine deliveries to reduce the shipping costs.
Should you be successful in buying this item, a specific shipping estimate will need to be requested after the sale using the link in your invoice email; this also includes all requests for international delivery.
If you would like further information about shipping and collection please see here.
Buying a pre-loved, antique, or vintage item not only provides you with unique style and value for money but it also helps to reduce landfill, and the annual emissions of an antique or vintage piece can be as little as one sixteenth of those of its new equivalent!
Sworders is proud to be supporting the work of Antiques are Green - the movement that was founded in 2009 to promote “a greener future created from the past”. Read their fascinating carbon footprint study of a Georgian chest of drawers versus a modern equivalent here
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