1962 Bentley S2 Continental

1959 was a year of milestones and introductions for the Bentley marque, and as the Series I six-cylinder engine was developed to its fullest extent, a new V-8 was introduced, replacing the former 160 horsepower (estimated) six-cylinder powerplant. The 6,230cc unit was built almost entirely of lightweight aluminum and delivered an estimated 200 horsepower. Its overall weight was similar to its predecessor, however, it delivered additional power and smoothness of operation. Hydraulic tappets were used to ensure quiet operation, along with modified lubrication systems, an 8 to 1 compression, twin carburetors with automatic choke, improved braking, and standard power steering and automatic transmission. The increased output from the L Series V8 allowed for improved air conditioning and fuel consumption was virtually the same despite the greater power of the new engine. Other features available include electrically operated ride control, electric rear window demisters, and press button window lifts.

The use of the V8 engine by Rolls-Royce was monumental, as the company had relied exclusively on six-cylinder engines since civilian production resumed at the war's end. First shown to the public in August of 1959, the second-generation Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 models brought added comfort and speeds in excess of 100 mph in nearly silent and smooth operation in a virtually hand-built package.

Bodies nearly identical to the Series I cars were produced at the factory along with a limited number of factory saloon bodies being sent directly to coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner in London. Mulliner became part of Rolls-Royce in 1959 and was further merged with coachbuilder Park Ward in 1961. A total of 1,863 standard and 57 long-wheelbase S2 models were produced between 1959 and 1962. 15 examples were drophead coupes and 128 (possibly as few as 125) were Flying Spur Saloons by H.J. Mulliner. Other coachbuilders to cloth the S2 include James Young, Hooper, and Wendler.

The Bentley Continental was envisaged exclusively as a two-door model, but near the close of 1957, production of a four-door variation was sanctioned with the work handled by H.J. Mulliner. Introduced on the S1 Continental and known as the 'Flying Spur', this design was a collaborative effort by Rolls-Royce's in-house styling department and H. J. Mulliner. Its resemblance was similar to the two-door Continental and existing coach-built four-door styles of Rolls-Royce and Bentley (non-Continental) chassis. The Flying Spur body style endured on the V8-powered S2 Continental and, with revisions, incorporated the S3's four-head front end following the latter's introduction in 1962.

The S2 Continental chassis differed by virtue of its four-leading-shoe front drum brakes, shorter radiator, and (up to chassis number BC99BY) higher gearing.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2006