1961 Bentley S2 Continental Saloon

The ultra-exclusive, high-performance Bentley S2 Continental was introduced in 1959 and was offered in a variety of body styles from England's premier coachbuilders. Among the list was H.J. Mulliner, who was responsible for the most sporting versions.

This Bentley is one of 388 S2 Continentals built and one of fewer than 100 examples with Mulliner's two-door saloon (design number 7514) coachwork. It is one of just 26 left-hand-drive examples and its lightweight aluminum coachwork was applied at the coachbuilder's West London works. The car's original owner was Count Paolo Orsi Mangelli, an influential member of Italian society. The car was completed in October 1961 and was delivered new to Italian Rolls-Royce agent Fernando Martorelli & Figli. It wore a Sand exterior over green Connolly leather and specified 'for use in Italy,' with metric instruments, high-frequency horns, and Dunlop whitewall tires. Additionally, this Bentley was fitted with Tudor-type sun visors, electric windows, lightweight front seats, and custom cabinetwork.

The S2 Continental remained in Italy until the late 1970s when Jack Bellin bought it and shipped it to his home in Hawaii. Lorna Marsh of Illinois became the car's next owner in 1996, and a high-quality cosmetic restoration soon followed, with the car receiving its current pewter-over-green color scheme. The car's next owner was Peter Charles Lambert of Muir Beach, California, who campaigned the Bentley in the Marin Sonoma, Hillsborough, and Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance.

Most recently, the Continental was owned by Kurt Furger of Colorado.

This Bentley is powered by a 6,320cc alloy V8 engine with twin SU HD6 carburetors and produces an estimated 178 horsepower. There is a four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel servo-assisted drum brakes, an independent front suspension, and a live rear axle setup with semi-elliptical leaf springs.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2025