1961 | Bentley S 2 Continental

Lot details

Year: 1961
Make: Bentley
Model: S2 Continental Two-door by H.J. Mulliner
Registration: BOM 600
Chassis No: BC25BY
Engine No: B24BC
Mileage: 28,830
(a): Significant history file
(b): A rare and interesting example
(c): Over £30,000 spent by the vendor during his stewardship
(d): Bearing its original number plate

For Bentley and Rolls-Royce, the star of the 1959 London Motor Show was their first all alloy V8 engine found in both the Bentley S2 and its cousin, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II. The engine produced approximately 200bhp (Bentley and Rolls-Royce would never quote horsepower figures, preferring to state that it was adequate) and, by virtue of its alloy construction, weighed the same as the 4.8-litre six-cylinder engine it replaced. The result was a smoother, more powerful ride. Bentley also offered the S2 in the elegant "Continental", the highest specification of the chassis. Although quite similar to the standard S2, the Continentals featured upgraded brakes and a higher rear axle ratio to handle the more demanding requirements for high-speed cruising on the European continent, with its more modern motorways. Continentals were consistently faster, quieter and more comfortable than standard production cars. Externally the new models appeared virtually unchanged, while beneath the skin Rolls-Royce's own four-speed automatic transmission was now the only one on offer and power steering had been standardised. Most Bentley S2s carried factory "Standard Steel Saloon" coachwork, which satisfied the company's commercial requirements, but not necessarily those of all its customers. For those preferring something more exclusive, Bentley and Rolls-Royce were still offering bespoke coachwork, which was executed by and large on the Bentley Continental, as opposed to the standard S2 by H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward. Both coachbuilding companies were owned by Rolls-Royce.

This Bentley S2 oozes character and has had an interesting history. Originally registered 13th January 1961 the chassis of this Continental was delivered to H.J.Mulliner on 12th September 1960. The two-door saloon body was painted in Mist Green and the car was trimmed with green leather upholstery. It still bears these colours today, the paintwork is largely original, the vendor being reluctant to paint the car as he is particularly fond of originality. Any new owner may choose to have the paintwork refreshed, the estimate reflecting this. The first owner, a Mr. Percy Levy from London N.W.3 specified some interesting extras on the car when he commissioned it. These include a sunroof, electric windows, electric aerial, combined parking/flashing lights, a fire extinguisher and a Bentley mascot. In addition to these a rear reading lamp to the nearside and a single headrest again to the nearside rear would indicate that this was a chauffeur driven car.

The current vendor purchased the car in 2017 for £265,000 for Royce Engineering. In 2019 he commissioned Royce Engineering to carry out extensive mechanical work, which included overhauling the front suspension and steering box, overhauling the brakes front and rear, replacement of the engine and exhaust mounts, overhauling the carburettors, supply and fit a new starter motor and carry out a major service. This work totalled £24,958.71 which was in addition to spending nearly £6,000 on the car in 2018 on interior and boot cosmetics. With invoices dating back to 1978 the comprehensive history folder makes for interesting reading. A copy of the original build sheets are in the file, showing the car was originally supplied by Jack Barclay Ltd. This quintessentially British Bentley S2 Continental two-door exudes charm and appeal. It also appears to be very attractively estimated. Consigned by Stewart Banks.