1960 Bentley S2

Coachwork by Park Ward & Co.

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

*Documented History
*Attractive Sable Color over Sand Scheme
*Great example of a Park Ward S2
*Great car for RROC and BDC events


To view a YouTube walkaround of this lot please click here

THE BENTLEY S2

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. 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 coach-built 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

According to factory records, chassis number B344BS left the works on 20th of August 1960, and was dispatched to noted Rolls Royce and Bentley dealer Joseph Cockshoot Ltd. of Manchester. Like many S2's it is fitted with the attractive saloon coachwork by Park Ward.

The car's first owner was a Mr. J.S Leach Esq. of Lancashire. It is of interest that he registered the car EN60 which is a cherished number, as it was first registered in 1903. Mr. Leach would have paid for the number from another keeper. Mr. Leach ran his family business, Swintex, at Derby Works, Bury, Lancashire. This was part of a larger business S & JH Swinnerton Ltd., this firm still is a leading manufacturer of traffic cones in the United Kingdom.

It is unknown how long Mr. Leach retained the car. It is noted that it was reregistered in July of 1964 with the number VEN 224. In 1979 the car was in the ownership of RROC member D. Gordan in Cheshire.

The car passed to its current owner in 2008. Since that time, it has been kept in the stable with the consigner's various other Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars. The car presents very well in its Sable over Sand could scheme and beige Connolly leather interior. It has had a substantial amount of maintenance done by The Frawley Company. Today, the car presents very well and is very much on the button. A great car for enjoyable Sunday drives, RROC, and BDC events. Well looked after S2's are difficult to come by and this would make an excellent car for the experienced collector or first time Bentley or Rolls Royce enthusiast.