Bentley S-Series
Built alongside the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, the S-Series is a hand-built British classic that's defined by the 1959 introduction of its powerful 6.2L V8. This engine transformed the car's performance, making V8-powered S2 and S3 models the most sought-after by collectors.
Bentley S-Series sold for a median of $24,219 over the last 12 months, based on 14 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $18,795 and $34,072. 83 currently for sale.
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Bentley S-Series prices by version
Auction sales in the last 12 months; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Bentley S-Series prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | $17k | – | 1 | 0 |
| 1956 | $23k | $17k–$103k | 13 | 7 |
| 1957 | $73k | $45k–$190k | 4 | 8 |
| 1958 | $25k | $25k–$26k | 4 | 12 |
| 1959 | $50k | – | 3 | 6 |
| 1960 | $32k | $27k–$44k | 11 | 7 |
| 1961 | $31k | $19k–$119k | 6 | 9 |
| 1962 | $75k | $35k–$101k | 6 | 5 |
| 1963 | $32k | $29k–$53k | 7 | 8 |
| 1964 | $27k | $24k–$65k | 5 | 6 |
| 1965 | – | – | 0 | 9 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
The Bentley S-Series, produced from 1955 to 1965, shared its platform and body with the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. The initial S1 used a 4.9L inline-6, but the big news came in 1959 with the S2's introduction of the new 6.2L L-series V8 engine, which dramatically improved performance. The final S3 model, launched in 1962, is easily identified by its quad headlamps and offered more power and a revised interior.
Collectors appreciate the S-Series for its classic British styling and hand-built luxury at what can be an accessible price point. While rare coachbuilt models like the Continental command six-figure prices, standard steel saloons are much more affordable. With an average sale price around $30,000, the S-Series market is heavily influenced by condition. Many available cars require significant restoration, which keeps entry costs low but can lead to very expensive projects.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest enemy; meticulously inspect the sills, jacking points, wheel arches, and chassis outriggers as repairs are costly.
- The S2/S3's V8 is robust, but check for oil leaks and listen for noisy hydraulic tappets. The S1's straight-6 can have head gasket issues.
- Interior refurbishment is extremely expensive. Carefully examine the wood veneer for peeling and the leather for splits and hardness.
- Test the complex hydraulic brake system thoroughly. A mushy or hard pedal points to servo problems that are expensive to sort out.
- A comprehensive service history from a known specialist is critical. A lack of records often signals deferred and costly maintenance.
Prices range from about $7,000 for project cars to $100,000 for top-spec examples.
638 Bentley S-Series vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 83 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bentley S-Series cost?
Over the last 12 months, Bentley S-Series sold for a median of $24,219 across 14 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $18,795 and $34,072. There are 83 currently for sale.
How many Bentley S-Series listings are for sale right now?
There are 83 Bentley S-Series listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.