Alfred Hitchcock Presents . . . His Very Own 1958 Bentley S1 Continental
By the late 1950s, American automakers were embracing jet age styling with copious chrome trim and extravagant fins. Bentley wasn’t so fickle. Its basic designs evolved at a comparatively glacial pace, although there were several coachbuilders that blended their own style into Bentley’s design framework. This fantastic example, purchased new by thriller auteur Alfred Hitchcock, is one of just 16 examples of the H.J. Mullliner-built S1 Continental in left-hand drive. It recently sold for $300,900 on Bring a Trailer. Equipped with high-capacity air conditioning, this would have been one of the most luxurious modes of transport one could have in 1958, and it looks as good today as it did 66 years ago.
Records show that Hitchcock ordered the car on May 20, 1958, eight days before his acclaimed film Vertigo would open in theaters. Delivery was exactly one month later. Hitchcock likely would have been breaking in the car during the making of North by Northwest. While Hitchcock had a long and illustrious career, this era was a particularly fruitful stretch, with Psycho up next in his filmography. The sale includes plenty of hand-written documentation noting its famous buyer.
The well-proportioned lines of the H.J. Mulliner Flying Spur sedan are less formal than the upright, rigid design that came straight from the factory in Crewe. The softer lines manage to strike a nice balance between stately and athletic, like a linebacker in a tuxedo rather than a fitted tailcoat. Still, its Bentley lineage is apparent, especially the front fenders, which evoke an art deco locomotive. The stance is a bit tall, which is all the better to provide plenty of suspension travel and keep passengers riding in comfort.
Power comes from a 4.9-liter F-head inline-six that produces 178 hp by way of twin SU carburetors. That’s not a staggering output by today’s standards, but it would have been more than adequate at the time. Truth be told, its output is rather impressive considering the F-head arrangement makes it a hybrid that’s half flathead and half OHV.
These cars weren’t purchased for their performance, however. The real draw comes from the build quality and luxury. That’s most apparent in the opulent interior, which is upholstered in tan leather and trimmed with wood burl. Credit for the restored upholstery goes to Mark Larder of Homer, Michigan, and it looks good as new.
This car previously traded hands for $204,400 at RM’s Arizona sale in January this year. At the time, our valuation specialists graded the car as #2 (excellent) due to its well-preserved restoration that showed “handsome paint and chrome other than a tiny chip on the left B-pillar.” The interior was noted to have little wear and the wood trim was called out for its beautiful appearance. “Famous ownership helps this car, but it’s desirably configured and beautifully presented as well,” the notes added. Simply put, no matter who ordered the car, it’s still in fantastic shape and a great combination of original coachwork and restoration.
It seems that its previous sale must not have brought out many film lovers, as the price showed little premium for its celebrity ownership. In fact, it sold well below it’s #2 valuation. This time, however, it seems to have found a fan, as its price reflects a premium above its current value. Hopefully this elegant Bentley’s new owners appreciate both its fantastic current state and its unique ownership history.
I’m pretty sure Hitchcock would of had a driver, so I wonder if he actually ever drove it?
Still, he was somewhat of a car guy, putting Cary Grant into a then rare and expensive Mercedes 220 convertible for the forced drunk driving scene in North by Northwest, which ends when a police car (A 1958 Ford, IIRC) comically rear ends it. George Barris reportedly made light weight fenders for the Ford so it would “crumple” when it hits the Benz (which looks to have an extended reinforced bumper for the scene so it wouldn’t get damaged).
And then there is his choice of car for Tippy Heddren’s spoiled heiress in “The Birds”, a rare (at least in the U.S.) Aston Martin DB II, DHC.
If I had the car, I’d imagine Hitchcock taking Cary Grant to lunch to discuss North by Northwest or riding in it to central California to film the famous biplane chase scene between Grant and a N3N crop duster (which survives and has been restored in Coast Guard markings).
As the article points out, it is a great car in its own right, but having a interesting history and a touch of glamour makes it better.
His favorite movie per daughter was Smokey and the Bandit.
John – Sorry but instead of Cary Grant I’d rather imagine Grace Kelly or Kim Novak. ‘ Hitch’ did have a thing for blondes.
Paul
By the time the car was delivered, Grace Kelly had retired…other than that, I agree.
Not a huge fan of Novack, but Eva Marie Saint probably rode in it.
Of course she went into co-star in the ultimate car guy race film, Grand Prix.
Sale prices on BAT are always inflated. Plus there is a significant buyer’s fee. Here is another one that makes no sense. I could understand a premium based on ownership, but him??? No. Plus. Almost 100k more than the prior sale a few months ago? And in a non factory repaint?
It;s a cool old Bentley regardless of who drove or rode in it. If you drive it do you get Vertigo? Does it only go North By Northwest? Only you can find out.
Gary
At least it has a large rear window, all the better to see if the birds are still there or if the car behind you is being driven by a psycho.
John – To each his own but with Halloween upon us they’ll probably show ‘ Bell, Book and Candle. Kim Novak wears this black backless number that would make a good dog break his leash. The way she leers at Jimmy Stewarts fiancee is worth the price of admission. Got to go with Jessica Walter in ‘ Grand Prix ‘ and Elga Anderson is fetching to say the least in Le Mans.
Paul, I was referring to Novak more as an actress than looks.
Which reminds me, for sheer lust, check out Grace Kelly throwing herself at Stewart in Rear Window.
In that scene she’s not hampered by the usual terrible 1950s hair and clothes.
Hitchcock women seem to like older men. Hummm…it hasn’t worked for me.
I met Stewart once, didn’t have the time to ask him about Novak or Kelly…
John- While I can’t exactly argue that for the “sheer lust ‘ factor Lee Remick in ‘ Anatomy of a Murder ‘ is a fitting rival. Also one of my favorites staring Stewart. Yet then again, cradling Katherine Hepburn after a late night swim when she’s ” the worse..or.. better for wine ” is hard to beat. Would have found it difficult to be as gentlemanly as his character under the circumstances.