1956 Bentley S1

This 1956 Bentley S1 Saloon that is known as “Sir Geoffrey” has benefited from a gorgeous older restoration and has been a multiple award winner with the RROC (Rolls Royce Owners Club). This is one of the most accessorized Bentley's in North America, with a full set of Antler luggage, a Continental Touring Kit, and loads of original manuals and brochures.

Sir Geoffrey was ordered new on February 14, 1956 (Valentine’s Day) by Rolls-Royce of Canada for Dr. Joseph E Kania of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Dr. Kania was a well-regarded geologist and stockbroker in the Vancouver area. The Bentley was ordered with power steering, a rare option for that time. By May 4th, 1956, Sir Geoffrey was aboard the Empress of Scotland to be transported to Vancouver. Through the late 60's and into the 70's this Bentley became a world traveler, spending time in France and then Ontario, Canada. In 1989, the "prodigal son" had returned and was found in a barn by Pat Murray of Vancouver BC who commenced a thorough restoration of the body and interior.

The previous owner, Kim Spencer of Vancouver, acquired Sir Geoffrey in 2009 from Mr Murray. As a young boy, Kim told his father "someday I will buy you a Bentley"...and he did! His father was so overwhelmed that he wrote and published a poem commemorating the story. Mr. Spencer continued improving the S1 with his own exacting attention to detail, and expert restoration services from Bristol Motors of Cobble Hill, BC. He successfully showed "Sir Geoffrey" (named after his father) at concours events and RROC Annual Meetings, winning multiple awards (once after driving the Bentley from Canada to the RROC national meeting in Lake Tahoe, CA).

Sir Geoffrey was recently acquired by his current owner in August of 2023 bringing this beautiful Bentley to Phoenix, AZ, the Valley of the Sun, for the first time.

Though his restoration is complete and obviously top-notch, perhaps Sir Geoffrey's most distinguishing features are the accessories mentioned above he chooses to travel with (see attached photos):

1. The Antler Luggage Company made fitted luggage for Rolls-Royce and Bentley S models that could be bought from the dealer and Sir Geoffrey carries a rare original four-piece set.

2. Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motors provided via their dealers, a Continental Touring Kit comprising many useful spare parts for the use of owners who were taking a driving holiday which Sir Geoffrey proudly stores in his boot. The kits usually contained a head gasket, belts, various gaskets, dynamo brushes, small hoses, brake hose, brake seals, points, distributor cap, condenser, ignition coil, rotors, sparking plugs, fuel pump rebuild kit, valve springs, washable oil filter, 15 assorted bulbs and windscreen wipers.

3. On a side note, Sir Geoffrey also has in his possession the original Bentley S Series sales brochure, in color no less, and a few other original sales/marketing brochures that he is proud to display. It should come as no surprise that in addition he has a full complement of "glove box" pamphlets including the original: "Bentley S Type handbook", "Automatic Gearbox driving instructions", "Kinsman Tyre Pump" instructions and "Instructions For Operating 'His Master's Voice' Automobile Radio". And last but not least Sir Geoffrey has a copy of "Bentleyana: A Pocket Hymnal for Those Incurably Addicted to the Worship of a Classic Car", poems compiled by his namesake, Kim Spencer's father, Geoffrey Spencer.

Every classic car has a story to tell and this distinguished Bentley S1 known as "Sir Geoffrey" tells his well.