1962 Bentley S2 Continental news, pictures, and information

Flying Spur

This S-II Continental was initially sold by Jack Barclay in London. When its first owner traded it back to Barclay in the early 1970s, Battle Creek, MI newspaper publisher Robert Miller purchased it and had it transported to the United States, where he drove it intermittently for many years. Shortly before his death, Miller sold it to the current owner. Not wanting to undertake a complete restoration, a 'preservation' process was initiated with the intent of bringing the car back as closely as possible to its original condition. Many items were repaired or replaced, but the car is essentially as it was purchased, and is used as a 'sometimes driver' at the owner's resident in Palm Beach.

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Drophead Convertible
Coachwork: Mulliner

In June of 1962, Mr. J. Constant Van Rijn took delivery of this car through the local Rolls-Royce agency of J. Inskip in New York, who placed the order through the 'sub-retailer' Jack Barclay, Ltd., in the United Kingdom. Mr. Van Rijn was the founder of aerospace giant Rotron Manufacturing, now known as Ametek-Rotron. he purchased it as a gift for Mrs. Orser, of Woodstock, MY, who was said to be the 'love of his life.' This example has undergone a complete restoration by the current owner.

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Coupe
Coachwork: Mulliner
Chassis Num: BC122LCZ

The Bentley S2 was introduced at the 1959 London Motor Show. It included an all-alloy 200 horsepower V8 engine which had the same overall weight as the six-cylinder unit found in the S1 models it replaced. The S2 was equipped with a four-speed GM HydraMatic transmission, power steering, and upgraded power-assisted brakes. The Continental raised the performance bar even further, with upgraded brakes and a higher rear axle ratio. Top speed was in the neighborhood of 113 miles per hour.

H.J. Mulliner & Sons and other respectable coachbuilders were called upon to create custom bodies to appeal to those searching for more. The coachbuilt S2 Continentals were luxurious, stylish, and desirable.

This example was originally a left-hand drive U.S specification car that was shipped on May 28th of 1962 to J.S. Inskip of New York. It was sold to Mr. Richard Dietrich of Villanova, Pennsylvania. Mr. Dietrich drove the car until the early 1970s. Since then, the car has been housed in a garage and well maintained. it has been driven just 27,000 miles since new and has remained in the same family since new.

This H.J. Mulliner coachbuilt S2 Continental is finished in two-tone color of Sand over Sable. It rides on new Michelin tires. There are Sable-colored steel wheels with trim rings, hubcaps, and red pin striping. The interior is trimmed with tan Connolly leather upholstery and gorgeous walnut woodwork. There is an upgraded 'Metravox' AM/FM radio, air conditioning system, electrically operated windows, a heater, and seat-belt anchors and luggage straps.

In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $175,000-$225,000. Bidding exceeded those expectations, reaching $264,000 including buyer's premium. The lot was sold.

The Bentley S2 was introduced in 1959 and produced until 1962. The S2 replaced the S1 and would later be replaced by the S3. The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I and the Bentley S1 had been nearly identical. This tradition continued with the Bentley S2 and the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II also being nearly identical. Most of the bodies were constructed by Bentley but few custom coachbuilders, such as Hooper, James Young, Park Ward, and H.J. Mulliner were commissioned to body the vehicles.
Under the hood was an all-aluminum 6230 cc V-8 engine with dual SU carburetors that would be used by Bentley until the 1998 Arnage. Servo-assisted drum brakes were used to provide stopping power. The front suspension was independent with coil springs while the rear was semi-elliptic springs.

The S2, by many, were considered to be the greatest of the S-series. These four-door touring automobiles were well known for their ample room for four passengers and their luggage.