6,230cc OHV All-Alloy V8 Engine
2 SU Carburetors
200bhp
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*One of just 65 factory LHD Park Ward Drophead Coupe examples
*Beautifully presented in Midnight Blue over Beige
*Commissioned new by Maxwell House heir J. Robert Neal
*Elegant and luxurious Bentley Continental

THE BENTLEY S2 CONTINENTAL

Described by The Autocar as, 'A new stage in the evolution of the post-war Bentley,' the magnificent Continental has been synonymous with effortless high-speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction on the R-Type chassis in 1952. With the arrival in 1955 of the final generation of six-cylinder cars, the all-new Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type, the Continental lost some of its individuality but none of its exclusivity. Dependable though it had proved, Rolls-Royce's six-cylinder engine was nearing the end of its development. At the same time the company was facing increased competition from faster rivals in the vital United States market, and it was, principally, these two factors that prompted the switch to V8 power as the 1960s approached.

Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their Silver Cloud and S-Type predecessors, though their performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc all-aluminum engine, which produced approximately 25% more power than the old six-cylinder unit. 'The Bentley S2, with its sister Rolls-Royce models, gives high-speed travel in silence and luxury, while the driver and passengers enjoy the sense of well-being that only British craftsmanship can give,' enthused Autosport. 'The V8 engine, with its flashing acceleration, certainly contributes to the result and is a definite step forward in Rolls-Royce technique.' There were few significant changes to the running gear, though power-assisted steering was now standard, and the manual gearbox had been dropped, Rolls-Royce's own four-speed automatic transmission being the sole offering.

Built in 'S2' form from the autumn of 1959, Continental version of the Bentley remained, as ever, exclusively a coachbuilt car. The firms of H J Mulliner, Park Ward, James Young, and Hooper (with a solitary example) all offered bodies on the Continental S2 chassis, which differed from the standard version by virtue of its four-leading-shoe front brakes, shorter radiator and, up to chassis number 'BC99BY', higher gearing. Of these four, James Young, and Hooper would soon cease coachbuilding, leaving only Mulliner and Park Ward to carry on a noble tradition.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Bentley S2 Continental, chassis number BC54LAR, offered here is an example of Park Ward's influential and elegant 'straight through wing' body style. It is one of only 124 examples bodied in this fashion by Park Ward; of which only 65 were original left-hand drive cars like this one. BC54LAR was ordered new by J. Robert Neal, heir to the Maxwell House Coffee giant, who is believed to have taken delivery of the new Bentley Continental Drophead Coupe overseas during a trip to the European Continent. The Selling dealer is recorded as Jack Barclay, and the new left-hand drive S2 was fitted with the desirable and optional air conditioning system, chassis reinforcements, power steering, a speedometer in miles per hour, a larger brake pedal, WindTone horns, AM/FM radio, and a power antenna.

Today, this elegant, hand-built Bentley Continental presents beautifully throughout, and remains in its original left-hand drive configuration. The Park Ward designed and constructed Drophead Coupe bodywork is finished in a very suitable Midnight Blue color, while the interior is trimmed in fine leather hides and wood veneers. It should be noted that the engine appears to have been replaced at some point. A good deal of cosmetic and mechanical work has been performed on the Bentley Continental over the years, and its presentation today is indeed very impressive. This elegant Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupe would be a pleasurable summer motoring companion to the Côte d'Azur and other such delightful destinations, and hails from the very end of coach built Bentley motorcar production.