21st Jun, 2023 13:00

The Alexander 'Alex' Tanner Collection

 
Lot 50
 

50

1957 Bentley S1 (E-series) Saloon

1957 Bentley S1 (E-series) Saloon
Registration Number: RCE 363
Chassis Number: B34EG
Engine Number: BE17

Designed to replace the outgoing Bentley R-Type and Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, the all-new Bentley S-Type and Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud models were introduced in early 1955. The cars featured sleeker bodywork on a new separate chassis and incorporated better braking and suspension with electrically controlled damping. The improved 4.9-litre I.O.E six-cylinder engine was identical in specification in its Rolls and Bentley forms, and by 1957, automatic transmission had become standard equipment. With comfortable 100mph-plus performance, it was also relatively affordable to run, making it arguably the most 'user-friendly' of all post-war Bentleys.

Affectionately known as 'Douglas' by the Tanners, RCE 363 was Cambridgeshire-registered from new in January 1957. Reputedly having just one previous owner (unconfirmed), Alex Tanner purchased the car from the Horseheath, Cambridge, area and carried out some light restoration work prior to use.

In generally fair to average cosmetic condition, the car is finished in metallic dark blue with a red coach line, and the faded oxblood/brown leather interior also features red carpets.

Much like a lovely comfortable leather Chesterfield, 'Douglas' was much enjoyed and very much considered part of the family. An extremely affordable entry into 'proper' Bentley ownership, it has a recorded mileage of 59,049 miles. Paperwork includes a current V5C registration document.

Take advantage of our Sworders Delivery Service. Please see 'Shipping estimate' below.

Sold for £15,000


Condition Report

The car is being sold on behalf of the executors of the estate and as such Sworders have provided extended viewing over 5-days to give potential buyers every opportunity to satisfy themselves of the condition.


The car has been started regularly by an in-house mechanic, however, the history file is sparse.

There is a video of it running and i haven't seen any obvious leaks, or been witness to any starting issues when the car has been moved.

The underside has been rust proofed and there appears to be no obvious issues in the vulnerable areas behind the front wheels and in front of the back wheels.

A large number of extra images of the underside have been added.

 

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Auction: The Alexander 'Alex' Tanner Collection, 21st Jun, 2023

 

By order of the executors of Alex Tanner, we are delighted to present this fine single owner collection of pre-war classic and modern Bentleys, a Riley RMB and a US Army Dodge Troop Carrier, together with a collection of Automobilia, acquired over some 27 years by former Chairman of the Bentley Drivers Club.

READ THE ARTICLE

 

Viewing

Stansted Viewing | Auction

Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:

Friday 16 June, 10am - 4pm 

Saturday 17 June, 10am - 1pm 

Sunday 18 June, 10am - 1pm 

Monday 19 June, 10am - 4pm

Tuesday 20 June, 10am - 4pm  

Wednesday 21 June, 10am - 1pm

Please Note:  Viewing is dependent on the purchase of a sale catalogue at £15. 

 


The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.

View all lots in this sale

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

 

Antiques are Green

 

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