To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$185,000 - $260,000
- The first of just sixteen S1 Continental Flying Spurs
produced.
- Restored during 2005-2009 with extensive refresh during
2018-2019.
- Fitted with optional power steering.
- H.J. Mulliner documentation included in the sale
The graceful Flying Spur with its unique sculpted rear fenders was
Design Number 7443 and is credited to George Moseley, Chief
Designer at H.J. Mulliner. While standard bodies were produced by
Pressed Steel for the Series I cars, a limited number of factory
saloon chassis were sent directly to coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner in
London. The elegant styling and superb quality of the
coachbuilder's hand-built aluminium bodies was made available at
considerably greater cost than the standard S1 Saloon assuring
exclusivity to Bentley's discerning clientele. The aluminium
coachwork, a raised compression ratio, and a longer final drive
made these coachbuilt Bentleys more sporting than the equivalent
standard steel saloons.
This car is the first of just sixteen built in left-hand drive
configuration by Mulliner. Finished in Shell Grey over Black
Garnet, inside you'll find understated Magnolia hides and classic
book-matched burl walnut veneers. In addition, it was specified
with optional power steering.
Chassis No. BC4LCH was originally ordered as a coupe through
Rolls-Royce's New York agent, J.S. Inskip. Impressed by the new
Continental 4-door design, the purchaser changed his order to a
Flying Spur, which was delivered to its first owner, Mr. Angus Ray
Gross in October 1957 at his home in Baltimore, Maryland. Gross
retained the car until June 1979 when it was sold to James O. Cason
of New York. The Bentley remained in Cason's possession until 2005
when it was shipped to Europe for a frame-off, nut and bolt
restoration during the ensuing four years. Upon completion of the
restoration, the car was purchased by the consigner from a
Bentley/Rolls-Royce specialist in Holland.
During the time between August 2018 and April 2019, the rarest of
the Bentley Flying Spurs was subject to a thorough technical and
cosmetic refinement to concours standards prior to being exhibited
at the Techno Classica Motor Show in Essen in April 2019. Receipts
of $40,000 parts and labor for work completed by Frank Dale of
marque specialists Gordon Dale Enterprises, Ltd. are available for
inspection. Original factory documentation from H.J. Mulliner is
also included in the sale.
Please note that an import duty of 2.5% of the purchase price is
payable on this lot if the buyer is a resident of the United
States.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.
