 1960 S2 Continental | 1960 S2 | 1962 S2 Continental  |
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1961 Bentley S2 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Continental Drophead Coupe Coachwork: Park Ward & Co. Chassis Num: BC32LCZ |
| High bid of $130,000 at 2009 RM Auctions. (did not sell) | |||
The S2 was available in 'Continental' form, the highest specification of the line-up. It had upgraded brakes and a higher rear axle ratio to cope with high speed cruising on the modern motorways. The Continentals were more comfortable, quieter, and faster than the standard production cars, making them more desirable and sought after.
Most of the S2 models were given 'Standard Steel Saloon' coachwork. For the more discriminating customers who sought something more exclusive, Bentley and Rolls offered custom coachwork. H.J. Mulliner created coachwork for the standard S2 models. Park Ward was given responsibility of creating an open Continental, known as a drop head coupe. There were only 125 S2 Continental Park Ward Drop Head Coupes produced with only 62 being left-hand drive models.
This example is one of those rare models fitted with left-hand drive Park Ward open coachwork. It was delivered new in September of 1961 to Mr. D. Cunningham and later purchased in 1996 by a prominent New England-based collector, who has owned it ever since. It is finished in champagne metallic with a burgundy leather interior. It has been well taken care of and properly maintained since new.
In 2009, this Bentley S2 Continental Drop Head Coupe was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in Monterey, California presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $175,000-$225,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $130,000 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009
 |  |  | Continental Flying Spur Saloon Coachwork: Mulliner Chassis Num: BC96LBY |
| High bid of $120,000 at 2009 RM Auctions. (did not sell) | |||
This example is a well-documented three-owner car that has traveled less than 48,000 miles from new. The engine is a 6230cc V8 unit offering 200 horsepower and mated to an automatic gearbox. The second owner retained the car from 1968 until 2005.
The car has been well maintained, given a recent mechanical service, and comes with a full tool set, jack, build sheet, and a complete set of books. It is a rust-free example and was recently repainted with the chrome-work recently redone.
In 2009, this Bentley Continental S2 Mulliner Park Ward Convertible was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in Monterey, California presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $175,000-$225,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $120,000 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009
 |  |  | Drophead Coupe Coachwork: Mulliner |
This Bentley is one of only seven left hand drives produced in this body design in 1960, 1961, and 1962. This car was bespoke to Elizabeth Hay Bechtel of the famed Bechtel Construction Company. This car was used by the original California owner on a regular basis for many years. It has been restored to show quality. The mechanicals were rebuilt as necessary, including the braking system, suspension, springs, steering, gearbox, transfer case and replacement of crankshaft and oil pump with a rebuilt of cylinder heads and replacement of the lifters and bearings. The handbook, supplements and correct tools are included.
This vehicle is one of only seven left hand drive examples built in H.J. Mulliner Style 7485.
 | Saloon |
The S2 Saloon is powered by the all-alloy V8 engine that was introduced at the 1959 London Motor Show. It was also available in its cousin, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II. This new powerplant offered about 200 horsepower and due to its lightweight construction, offered tremendous performance. Other new mechanical features included the Hydramatic transmission, power steering and upgraded power assisted brakes. The inside of the S2 was given an updated dashboard which included improved gages.
The current owner restored the vehicle in 2011.
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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006
For more information and related vehicles, click hereUnder 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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006
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| A Piece of Hollywood and Jaguar History | |
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| Famous Bentley 4¼-Litre 'Embiricos' Special Makes Star Appearance At Crewe Factory | |
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| Bentley Sales Leap By A Third | |
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| Cherished Classics From The Pettit Collection Will Be Offered Without Reserve | |
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| 1960 S2 Continental | 1960 S2 | 1962 S2 Continental |
