UK vs France — 1955 vs 1955
| Continental S1 Fastback by H.J. Mulliner | DS 21 Pallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 178 hp | 109 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 118 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,887 cc | 2,175 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.1 sec | 13.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 112 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | 19.0 sec |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 3,125 mm |
| Length | 5,230 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 4/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1955 Bentley Continental S1 Fastback by H.J. Mulliner brings more power, higher top speed to the table, and the 1955 Citroën DS 21 Pallas answers with quicker acceleration, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between UK and France automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1955 Bentley Continental S1 Fastback by H.J. Mulliner versus 1955 Citroën DS 21 Pallas is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1955 Bentley Continental S1 Fastback by H.J. Mulliner holds a clear advantage in raw power with 178 hp compared to 109 hp, a 69-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bentley Continental S1 uses a Inline-6 F-Head displacing 4,887 cc, while the Citroën DS relies on a Inline-4 OHV 8V with 2,175 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1955 Citroën DS 21 Pallas edges ahead at 13.0 seconds versus 13.1 seconds. On the collector market, the 1955 Bentley Continental S1 Fastback by H.J. Mulliner commands a significant premium over the 1955 Citroën DS 21 Pallas, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.