1961 Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupé

Coachwork by Park Ward Ltd Registration no. JSV 872 Chassis no. BC1CZ

Footnotes

Described by The Autocar as, 'A new stage in the evolution of the post-war Bentley,' the magnificent Continental sports saloon 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 aluminium-alloy engine. '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. The V8 engine, with its flashing acceleration, certainly contributes to the result and is a definite step forward in Rolls-Royce technique,' enthused Autosport. 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.

The 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 Rolls-Royce-owned Mulliner and Park Ward to carry on a noble tradition, with Park Ward building the S2 Continental drophead coupés and Mulliner the saloons.

Chassis number 'BC1CZ' is one of 125 drophead coupés built by Park Ward on the S2 Continental chassis, of which only 62 were right-hand drive like this example. This car was delivered in July 1961, finished in blue with an off-white leather interior and matching convertible hood, and was supplied by H R Owen to H&J Wilson Ltd of London for the use of one S G Kingsley. More recently the Bentley has formed part of a European collection for which it was restored some five years ago. These works included refurbishment of the bodywork, chrome, woodwork, engine, interior, and engine bay. Approximately one year ago, respected marque specialists Frank Dale & Stepsons carried out a full mechanical review and completed further works to ensure optimum performance and reliability, while a new hood and headlining have been fitted to complete the cosmetic works. Having been on showroom display for around a year, the car will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. Accompanying documentation includes copy chassis cards, sundry restoration invoices, and a V5 registration certificate.