1962 | Bentley S 3 Continental

Another new car for us to share and a car that is likely the best example of what it is currently available, is our new 1962 Bentley S2 Continental. These are like moving pieces of art; hand sculpted aluminium bodies, interiors presented with the highest quality wood & leather, and powered by a brand new engine to Rolls-Royce and Bentley at the time, their all new 6.25 litre V8!!

The S2 therefore marked a pivotal moment in Bentley's history, being the first Bentley hosting a V8 engine, and it then set the standard for over 50 years with various updates along the way. In 1971 the 6.75 litre version became available and again in 1983 a Turbo charged version was funnelled into the then new Bentley Turbo R.

The last units were to be found in the Bentley Brooklands Coupe with twin turbo charges and 530 bhp !!! The engine's concept beginning way back in the 1950's ...

Rolls-Royce planned to replace the straight-six found in the S1, the B61 engine, for the introduction of the Silver Cloud II and Bentley S.2. They felt the straight-six at 4.9 litres wouldn't be able to handle more power without compromising comfort and reliability. So what emerged after much development and consideration, was the now famed 6.25-litre V8, designed with a focus on weight-saving materials like cast alloy cylinder heads and a lightweight block.

The engine employed a single camshaft running down the center of the "V," powered by twin side-mounted SU carburettors, offering a total of nearly 200 bhp (roughly 10% more than the S1's straight six). The engine was shoehorned into the Silver Cloud/S-type chassis, and therefore the chassis and other mechanical components required some adjustments, like the power steering, to allow the larger engine to fit.

Improvements included replacing the old centralised lubrication system with conventional grease points and an individual reservoir at each nipple, thus simplifying maintenance. Forged, machined wishbones took the place of pressed steel in the front suspension, and modifications to the braking system-such as a faster rotating servo and a revised front‑to‑rear braking ratio-all addressing earlier concerns the S1 had reported.

And despite the increased weight of roughly 400 lb over its predecessor, performance metrics improved noticeably: top speed reached 113 mph, 0–30 mph acceleration was achieved in 3.8 seconds, and 0–60 mph in 11.5 seconds!

So the S2 balances the beauty, craft and appearance of the early S series Bentley's, with a much more modern driving experience. The best of both worlds?

When finessed and happy, Bentley finally launched the new car and new engine in 1959 where it was received very well by the motoring press, for both the cars design, assembly and importantly the engine. Despite similar visually compared to the earlier S1 (the minor tweaks we feel improved its look), the arrival of the S2 marked a significant improvement in performance, making the car an entirely new driving experience compared to the S1's, and not only from the power unit.

Chassis BC55CZ is one of only 71 built to design 7514 in right‐hand drive by H.J. Mulliner. Constructed entirely of aluminium at their West London works, each car was completed to order. Supplied in Caribbean Blue with blue-grey leather, BC55CZ was completed in September 1962 and supplied by H.R. Owen to Mrs. M. Herbert-Jenkins of Brockenhurst, Hampshire.

We know this Continental was part of a high-quality London collection and was enjoyed on a very regular basis, regularly seen around the streets of Belgravia, Mayfair and Chelsea. Frank Dale & Stepsons maintained the car with a no-expense-spared approach, with documented works including a full engine rebuild. Later, BC55CZ was sold to another long-standing customer, receiving a new cream interior with matching carpets. Complete with original factory build sheets, the correct tools, and detailed invoices for past and recent work, this well-preserved Bentley Continental is ready to serve its next fortunate owner exceptionally well.