1961 Bentley S2 Continental H.J. Mulliner Saloon

Lot details
Registration No: EEW396C
Chassis No: BC46CZ
Mot Expiry: June 2013

By 1955, Rolls-Royce felt increasingly less need to visually differentiate its own models from the Bentley-badged ones. The Bentley S1 that replaced the R-Type model was therefore basically a Silver Cloud I behind the distinctive 'Flying B' radiator grille. It was also the last Bentley powered by the company's venerable 150bhp 4.9-litre straight-six engine. The newcomer retained a separate chassis and body, facilitating the manufacture of coachbuilt versions. Even so, the vast majority of S1s were delivered with the standard steel one. Suspension was independent by coil springs at the front and by live axle and semi-elliptic units at the rear. Braking was by servo-assisted drums all-round.

The S2 Continental was introduced in July 1959 and proudly displayed at the London Motor Show two months later. It was outwardly indistinguishable from the S1 aside of a very slightly shorter radiator, and minor changes to the front flasher and sidelight assemblies, and the bumper over-riders. The key upgrade lay under the lengthy, centrally hinged bonnet, where a new all-alloy OHV V8 engine of 6230cc sat in place of the former six-cylinder unit. It had been developed over five years and, despite the significant increase in cubic capacity, was no heavier than the cast iron unit it replaced. As usual, the manufacturer declined to quote output figures, but suffice to say that performance was markedly improved, and the newcomer could waft its cosseted occupants to 60mph in around 10.9 seconds and on to a terminal speed in excess of 110mph.

Gone was the one-shot lubrication system that had been part of every Bentley's specification since 1933 - in its place were 21 grease nipples and extended service intervals. The interior featured a slimmer, altogether smaller steering wheel, a 120mph speedometer and air louvers below the windscreen. The extraordinary standard of exterior finish for which the model was renowned remained completely unaltered, however, with each body receiving up to 14 coats of paint, plus a high degree of hand finishing. The Continental version sported a slightly higher rear axle ratio, wider tyres and front brakes with four shoes per drum, in deference to the higher speeds at which these models were normally driven. H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward together constructed some 346 S2 Continental bodies, while James Young, Hooper, Graber and Franay accounted for a further 30 or so. The S2 gave way to the quad-headlamp S3 model in October 1962.

The iconic fastback styling that H.J. Mulliner had wrought for the R-Type and S-Type Continentals was looking a little dated by 1959. Nevertheless, the Chiswick-based concern remained the coachbuilder of choice for the S2 Continental and their two-door Sports Saloon (design number 7514) has long since been acknowledged as a classic; Martin Bennett referring to it as 'outstandingly beautiful' and 'arguably the best looking of all Bentley Continentals' in his book 'Bentley Continental, Corniche & Azure'. Punctuated by a 'Flying B'-topped radiator grille, subtle swage line detailing and notably airy glasshouse (incorporating wraparound front / rear windscreens), the singularly elegant silhouette that H.J. Mulliner bestowed upon its newcomer also fulfilled customers' requests for increased luggage space. Predictably exclusive and expensive, just 71 right-hand drive Bentley S2 Continental chassis were bodied to design number 7514.

According to its accompanying Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club Chassis Card Details, this particular example - chassis number BC-46-CZ - was despatched to H.J. Mulliner on 22nd June 1961. Finished in Tudor Grey with Tan leather upholstery (the same livery it pleasingly retains today), the Bentley was supplied new as a company car to Archibald Frederick Gadsby Esq via P.J. Evans of Birmingham Ltd on 11th December 1961. A senior board member of the automotive and aerospace component giant Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds Ltd (a.k.a. GKN), Mr Gadsby enjoyed the S2 Continental for some five years before it passed to J.D. Hollingworth Esq of Cookley, Worcestershire. Initially road registered as '3838 HA' and later 'JJE 1', the Sports Saloon migrated to Cambridgeshire the following decade. Commissioned by its previous keeper, Richard Curtis Esq of Maloney & Rhodes Ltd (Cambridge), chassis BC-46-CZ underwent an extensive mechanical overhaul at the hands of renowned restorer P&A Wood during 1977-1978.

As well as having attention paid to its brakes, suspension, automatic transmission, electrical equipment and power assisted steering, the Bentley benefited from some remedial paintwork, refinished wood veneers and a thorough engine refurbishment (rebalanced crankshaft assembly, new: main / big-end bearings, valves / valve guides, pistons, liners, hydraulic tappets / followers plus rejuvenated oil pump, distributor, radiator and carburettors etc). Purchased by the vendor from P&A Wood in June 1982 and re-registered as 'EEW 396C' at around the same time, the S2 Continental has formed part of a significant private collection ever since. Sparingly used over the past thirty years, the Sports Saloon's maintenance has been primarily entrusted to David Wall Vintage & Classic Cars of Norfolk (though, its stainless steel exhaust was fitted by Langford & Knight Ltd of Nottingham). Starting readily upon inspection, chassis BC-46-CZ is described by the seller as being in "very good overall" mechanical condition.

Showing an unwarranted 27,000 miles (perhaps 127,000 miles?), the four-seater is understood to have covered just 7,000 of those on its P&A Wood refurbished engine. Coming to market for the first time in three decades, this highly original S2 Continental is offered for sale with the aforementioned RREC Chassis Card Details, assorted old MOT certificates dating back to September 1981 at an indicated 24,043 miles, numerous P&A Wood / David Wall / Eric Jude invoices and current MOT certificate valid until June 2013. A lovely example of a perennially admired quality British classic.