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1961 Bentley S2

The Bentley S2, introduced in September of 1959, was the stablemate to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and retained the basic body design and chassis of its predecessor, the S1. The F-head six-cylinder engine of the S1 was replaced with an all-new overhead-valve V-8 engine, under design and development for the previous decade by the engineers at Crewe. Breaking from the tradition of its parent firm, Rolls-Royce, long disdained publication of horsepower ratings, the new 6230cc V-8 engine was estimated to develop over 200 brake horsepower, approximately 25% more than the old six. With the light-weight all-alloy construction, the Silver Cloud II and S2 were faster and quicker than their immediate predecessors. Significant changes were made to the running gear, with power-assisted steering offered as standard equipment and the manual gearbox was no longer offered, with the Rolls-Royce four-speed automatic being the sole offering.

Continuing the tradition established by the R-Type Continental of the early 1950s, a higher-specification Continental variant with distinctive styling was offered on the S2 chassis to discerning buyers. Upgrades included four-leading-shoe drum brakes in the front, special highs-peed tires, a higher rear axle ratio applied up to 'B-Series' Chassis BC99BY, lightweight alloy body panels, and a lower-profile radiator.

The Continental was exclusively a coachbuilt automobile. The firms of H J Mulliner, Park Ward, James Young and Hooper (with a solitary example) all offered handcrafted bodies on the Continental S2 chassis. James Young and Hooper would soon cease coachbuilding, leaving only Mulliner and Park Ward to carry on a tradition. Consolidating its in-house coachbuilding capability, Rolls-Royce had purchased H J Mulliner in 1959 and two years later the firm was merged with Park Ward, which had been acquired in 1939.

Bentley produced 2,308 examples of the S2 with 388 being Continentals, 222 were bodied in styles that originated with H J Mulliner and 125 with those of Park Ward.

by Dan Vaughan

Continental Drophead Coupe by Park Ward & Co.
Chassis number: BC32LCZ

At the 1959 London Motor Show, Rolls-Royce and Bentley introduced their first all-alloy V8 engine. It was housed in the Bentley S2 and its cousin, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II. This new powerplant offered about 200 bhp and due to its lightweight construction, offered tremendous performance in comparison to the 4.8-liter six-cylinder engine it replaced. Other new mechanical features included the Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and upgraded power assisted brakes. Inside, the S2 was given an updated dashboard which included improved gauges.

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 Dan Vaughan

Continental Flying Spur Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC96LBY

Most of the Bentley S series models featured the standard steel saloon body, with a few receiving light alloy Continental coachwork from Mulliner Park Ward. In this guise, the cars had lighter weight and a reduced frontal area permitting higher speeds. To cope with this speed, larger brakes were fitted.

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 Dan Vaughan

Drophead Coupe by Mulliner

The introduction of the S-2 model brought with it several improvements on what was already considered one of the world's finest motorcars. It now sported a 6.2 liter alloy V8 engine and rides on a chassis that sported forged front suspension pieces, an improved, although still all drum braking system and a modified steering arrangement.

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

Most of the S2 models produced were given the Bentley Standard Steel Saloon coachwork.

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.

Continental Flying Spur Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC102LAR
Engine number: A101BC

Coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner produced 128 examples of the Flying Spur on the S2 Continental chassis. Just 52 of these were left-hand drive. Design number 7443 was a four-door sport saloon with sculpted rear fenders and close-coupled lines. The design was by George Moseley and was the forerunner of the 'four-door coupes.' The design was nicknamed the 'Flying Spur,' in reference to its dashing nature.

This example was originally commissioned by Mr. Jean Lambert. He withdrew his order in March of 1961; it was reassigned to Mrs. Corinne G. Kocens, of Houston, Texas, to whom it was shipped direct from London aboard the Iserlohn for delivery on April 11, 1961. The car was given several special and specific features such as electrically operated windows, a Sundym glass windscreen, high-frequency horns, and full air conditioning.

Shortly after receiving the Bentley, she passed away. The Flying Spur was acquired shortly thereafter by actor Mr. Gregory Peck. He reportedly purchased this Bentley to celebrate the release of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' Mr. Peck would keep the car for 34 years and used it only for special occasions. When he parted with the car in 1996, it had accumulated 84,000 miles.

The new owners re-commissioned a body-up restoration, including new British Racing Green paint, a light tan leather interior, and green carpeting. The car has power steering, an automatic transmission, a highly geared rear axle, and four-shoe front brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Continental Flying Spur Saloon by Mulliner

The current owner has paperwork that indicates this vehicle was ordered and purchased by Herbert L. Shuttleworth II, third generation of Mohawk Carpet Mills. The chassis delivery date was October 9, 1959 and the car delivery date was August 31, 1960.

The S-2 in the Continental form was the highest specification of the line-up. It has 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.

This example is one of only 55 left-hand drive vehicles built to H.J. Mulliner Style 7508.

Continental Drophead Coupe by Park Ward & Co.

The Bentley S series represents the last of the coach built cars and while most examples featured the standard steel saloon bodies, a few were built with Mulliner Park Ward Continental body work in light alloy. The lighter weight and reduced frontal area permitted higher speeds and the brakes were upgraded with an unusual four shoe arrangement on the front wheels. These cars are part of the legendary Continental line, and the second series of cars combine the mechanical refinement of the later cars (including the recently introduced aluminum 6.2 liter V8), with the more coherent styling of the earlier cars. Thanks to their well-proportioned and comparatively modern bodies, and motivated by the new V8 engine, these cars were meant for owner-drivers, as compared to their Rolls-Royce cousins whose owners were used to being driven instead.

Nothing was sacrificed in the restoration. Luxuries include a power top and power windows. It is equipped with original tools, jack and owner's manual as well as build sheets.

Continental Saloon by James Young
Chassis number: BC41LBY

The automotive industry has continually evolved and following World War II, Rolls-Royce clientele shifted away from chauffeur-driven cars to personal luxury cars driven by the owners themselves. The demand for coach-built vehicles, however, was still present.

The Bentley S2 was introduced at the 1959 London Motor Show and came equipped with an all-alloy 200 horsepower V8 engine. With its alloy construction, the large V8 engine weighed the same as the six-cylinder S1 it replaced. The new engine made its debut in the new S2 and in its stablemate, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II. The engine was mated to a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The S2 featured upgraded power-assisted brakes, and power steering. Inside, the S2 had a new dashboard, incorporating updated gauges, and standard power window lifts and electric rear window demisters.

The Bentley S2 was produced between 1959 and 1962 with just under 2,000 examples produced. Most were fitted with a factory body. For the discerning client, Rolls-Royce and Bentley recommended several custom coachbuilders including James Young. James Young was one of the last coachbuilders employed by Bentley to build the four-door Saloon.

This particular example is a James Young coachbuilt S2 and is believed to be one of just six built in left-hand-drive configuration. Options selected by the first owner, who drove the car in Switzerland, included a Motorola radio, wool carpeting, and James Young luxury items such as reading lights, and leather quarter panels. Features include the addition of air-conditioning, with the proper rear compartment cold air outlets. It is finished in a deep gloss black with a gorgeous Magnolia leather interior. There is burled woodgrain interior trim and dashboard installed by James Young craftsmen.

In the 1990s, this Bentley was sold to an American living in California.

Continental Flying Spur Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC70LBY
Engine number: B69BC

This Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur with coachwork by H.J. Mulliner is equipped with a 6,230cc V8 engine with twin S.U. HD6 carburetors and delivers approximately 200 horsepower. There is a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox, hydraulic front brakes, and hydraulic and mechanical rear drum brakes. Its original owner was Mr. H. Barkley Johnson of Malibu, California who acquired it through the local SoCal dealer Peter Satori at the end of 1960. Specifying the car to be finished in Tobacco Brown over Tan Connolly hides, power windows, air conditioning, rear picnic tables, and seat belts with leather roll pads were optioned on this U.S. market example. Mr. Johnson took delivery in the mid-summer of 1961. It is believed that the car remained in Southern California for the bulk of its life in largely original condition up until it eventually came to the East Coast in the collection of New York Rolls-Royce and Bentley enthusiast Arnold Penner in the late 1990s. Prior to acquisition by its current owner in the early 2000s, the car was mechanically refreshed.

by Dan Vaughan

Drophead Coupe by Park Ward & Co.
Chassis number: BC99LCZ
Engine number: C98BC

This Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupe is one of 125 examples bodied in this fashion, and one of 65 of those in original left-hand drive configuration. Wilt 'The Stilt' Chamberlain of New York was the first owner of BC99LCZ who ordered it from Rolls-Royce of New York. Mr. Chamberlain specified its color scheme of Opal over Off White hides with a Tan top, a radio with power aerial, an altimeter, Sundym glass, and power-operated top and windows. To accommodate Mr. Chamberlain's 7 feet 1 inch tall frame, the car was fitted with a 'special driver's seat to suit owner' along with 2-inch longer steering column.

The Bentley was delivered on April 19th, 1962. At the time, Mr. Chamberlain was earning $65,000 a basketball season, had set a number of records including scoring 100 points in a single game, landing over 4,000 points in the regular season, snagging over 2,000 rebounds, and was playing 3,882 minutes of the 3,890 minutes his team was on the floor.

Delivered to his 342 Central Park West, New York City apartment with the UK registration plates '685 CGT,' the Drophead likely moved West with Wilt when the Philadelphia Warriors for which he played moved to San Francisco for the 1962-3 season. It is not known how long Mr. Chamberlain retained the car, but it stayed in California for most of its existence. After Chamberlain's ownership, it is believed that it was only owned by two separate Southern California owners. It is believed that the car was retrimmed in the 2000s to its current Caribbean Blue over Beige leather and matching blue piping.

The current owner purchased the car around 2012, and it has been on static display since that time.

by Dan Vaughan

Drophead Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: B127CT

Although labeled the 'S2 Mulliner Adaptation,' it is important to note that this Bentley was 'adapted' at the factory prior to delivery. Built as a four-door standard steel saloon coupe, it was reconfigured as a two-door drophead coupe in the factory and is considered one of the most stylish postwar drophead Bentleys, with only 15 examples created by H.J. Mulliner. The original owner is unknown, but the car was delivered new to Feature Film Facilities Ltd. in London in 1961. In the summer of 2022, the car was acquired by Bentley Motors in a state of disrepair. In recognition of its significance, it was assigned a complete restoration, resulting in the car joining the Bentley Heritage Collection to represent the company's prestigious V8 lineage.

Continental Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: BC43LCZ
Engine number: C42BC

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 Dan Vaughan

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, was 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 Dan Vaughan

A ride oozing pure luxury, the extravagant S2 Continental was a high-performance variant of the Bentley S2, which was produced from 1959 through 1962. The S2 designation stood for the new V8 engine and the designation 'Continental' had been previously used from 1912 by Rolls Royce. Standard on S2 models was power steering, a new dashboard and steering wheel, though some early models came with the earlier S1 dashboard.

The S2 was the replacement for the Bentley S1 and brought with it an all-new aluminum V8 engine that displaced 6.2 L over the previous straight-six engine from the S1. The new engine was a vast improvement over previous models. Fitted with twin carbs with automatic choke, the V8 engine in the S2 had a compression ratio of 8 to 1. Operating the overhead valves were hydraulic tappets while the cylinder blocks and heads were cast in aluminum alloys. To keep up with high-speed cruising on modern roads the S2 had a higher rear axle ratio and upgraded brakes.

A total of three hundred and eighty-eight luxurious S2 Continental's were produced during its brief production span. All models were drophead coupes or sports saloons with the exception of the 4-door 'Flying Spur'. Drophead coupes are two-door convertibles while a sports saloon is a high-performance two or four-door enclosed automobile with a front and back seat. The Continental line included the H.J Mulliner Coupé, H.J. Mulliner Flying Spur, the James Young Sports Saloon and Park Ward Drophead Coupé. Original to the Bentley line, the open Drophead Coupé was designed by Vilhelm Koren of Norway for Park Ward and featured an exclusive straight fender line. Out of the 388 S2 Continentals, only 125 models were built with this Drophead Coupé design

The 'Continental' form was the highest trim level available in the lineup and offered a much more luxurious and faster ride than standard production vehicles. Today the Bentley Continental S2 is a highly desirable collectible. Their special coach-built frame and 'higher-than-standard' performance levels thanks to lightweight body construction, robust engines and high gear ratios easily distinguish continental models from 'regular' Bentley models. They included lavish upgrades like press button window lifts, electric rear window demisters, electrically operated ride control, power-assisted steering, updated and more flexible AC and fully automatic transmission.

Famed coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner produced 128 examples of the four-door sport saloon 'Flying Spur'. Of these exclusive 128 models only 52 were left-hand drive models.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bentley_S2

http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1064285

http://www.bentleyclassic.com/62bentley.htm

http://www.supercars.net/cars/5933.html

by Jessican Donaldson

A CENTURY OF INNOVATION: THE BENTLEY S2 CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR

•Elegant S2 Continental Flying Spur a landmark car in Bentley history

•Flagship four-door saloon launched 60 years ago to great acclaim

•Ground-breaking 6.2-litre aluminium V8 vastly improved performance

•Luxury features included press button window lifts, enhanced air conditioning and window demisters

•Electrically-operated ride control offered luxurious Grand Touring

•Bentley's drive for innovation still synonymous with brand in 2019

(Crewe, 29 March 2019) Bentley's centenary celebrations continue in 2019 with the anniversary of another landmark model in the company's history.

The S2 Continental Flying Spur was launched 60 years ago to great acclaim and is a timely reminder of the luxury British car maker's ongoing quest to extend the limits of innovation.

The elegant S2 featured an all-new aluminium V8 that afforded a significant boost in power. The increased output from the L Series 6.2-litre engine dramatically enhanced performance, while other exclusive features available in the 1959 car included electrically-operated ride control, electric rear window demisters and press button window lifts.

S2 Continental Flying Spur – Innovation & Elegance

The new Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur was hailed as one of the most luxurious and innovative saloons in the world at its launch in 1959.

A number of advanced features in the S2 were state-of-the-art for the time. The sleek saloon, handcrafted by coachbuilders H.J. Mulliner, utilised a lightweight aluminium V8 engine, replacing a six-cylinder unit from the S1 that dated back to the 1920s.

The ground-breaking L Series engine proved so successful it was later used in the Bentley Arnage and Brooklands models. A highly modified version is still fitted in the Bentley Mulsanne today.

Innovative Luxury Personified

The all-new V8 engine installed in the Continental S2 Flying Spur made Bentley's luxurious saloon even smoother to drive. The muscular unit transformed the British-built car into the ultimate Grand Tourer.

Power steering, electrically-operated ride control and fully automatic transmission were standard, while the boost in engine output ensured dramatically improved and more flexible air conditioning, the ultimate luxury in 1959.

The S2 Flying Spur was so advanced it featured electric rear window demisters and press button window lifts. A new dashboard and steering wheel design added to the exclusivity. In all, more than 1,900 S2 cars were hand-built between 1959 and 1962.

The Continental Flying Spur was launched in 2005, heralding a new era of luxurious, high performance models to the Bentley stable. It was the fastest four-seat car in the world at the time. Now, as Bentley celebrates its centenary in 2019, the Flying Spur remains very much a part of the company's future plans.

Bentley's Centenary Year

July 10, 2019 marks Bentley's 100th year – an extraordinary milestone achieved by only a few companies. To celebrate the occasion, a year-long series of special activities has been planned, with celebrations at events around the world.

Like the anniversary of the S2 Continental Flying Spur, they will showcase Bentley's motoring evolution over the last 100 years, highlighting its global success today and the exciting future of innovation ahead.

by Bentley