Bentley S1
The last of the great straight-six Bentleys, defining post-war British luxury.
- Power
- 155 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.1 s
- Top speed
- 103 mph
- Est. value
- $20k–$65k
About the Bentley S1
Launched in 1955, the Bentley S1 (originally the Bentley S) was the first complete post-war redesign for the marque, sharing its chassis and 'Standard Steel' bodywork with the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I. It was powered by the final evolution of the F-head straight-six engine, enlarged to 4.9 litres to provide what the factory famously described as 'sufficient' power. While the Continental variants offered coachbuilt exclusivity, the standard S1 saloon brought unprecedented refinement and a smoother ride thanks to its new box-section chassis and electrically controlled rear dampers. It remains a cornerstone of British motoring history, representing the end of the six-cylinder era before the V8-powered S2 arrived.
Bentley S1 specs
The Bentley S1 produces 155 bhp (116 kW). It reaches 60 mph in 13.1 seconds and has a top speed of 103 mph (166 km/h).
| Make | Bentley |
|---|---|
| Model | S1 |
| Trim | 4.9 |
| Years | 1955–1959 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 3,538 built |
| Engine | 4.9-litre inline-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,887 cc (4.9 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 155 bhp (116 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 13.1 s |
| Top speed | 103 mph (166 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,924 kg (4,242 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 81 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Bentley S1 worth?
A typical Bentley S1 is estimated to be worth $20,000 – $65,000 (about £15,000 – £48,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Bentley S1 rarity in CarSpot
The Bentley S1 is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 57 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Bentley S1 fun facts
- The S1 was the last Bentley to use an engine descended from the Rolls-Royce Twenty of the 1920s.
- Despite being nearly identical to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, the Bentley S1 actually outsold its sibling by nearly two to one.
- While an automatic gearbox was standard, a four-speed manual transmission remained a rare, special-order option until 1957.
