LOT 225

1961 Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupé Coachwork by Park Ward Ltd Registration no. 26 HYW Chassis no. BC25CZ Engine no. P3961

Estimate: £100,000 - £120,000

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Lot 225

1961 Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupé

Goodwood Revival: Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia|9 September 2023, 13:30 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1961 Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupé
Coachwork by Park Ward Ltd
Registration no. 26 HYW
Chassis no. BC25CZ
Engine no. P3961

• Rare Park Ward-bodied RHD drophead coupé
• Automatic transmission
• Professionally restored in Hong Kong 1985-1986
• Well maintained but little used since its return in 1995
• Requires mild recommissioning

Offered here is one of only 62 right-hand drive BentleyS2 Continental Drophead Coupés bodied by Park Ward. Apart from the fact that it was completed in September 1961 and first owned by one C Cooper, nothing else is known of this Continental's early history. The earliest document in the history file is an MoT certificate dating from April 1978, and there are numerous James Young invoices addressed to a Mr Warriner of Kent. Also on file is another invoice for virtually an entire strip-down by a garage in Newtown, Powys dated 1980, while photographs dating from 1984 show the Bentley in a stripped condition in Shropshire.

Next owner Stewart John acquired the Continental at around this time, and in September 1984 the car was shipped to Hong Kong where Mr John was Director of Engineering for Cathay Pacific Airlines (see photographs on file). Associated Engineering Limited were commissioned to carry out a full restoration, which took some 18 months to complete during during 1985 and 1986. Related correspondence, bills for parts and materials, etc are on file.

In December 1993 the car was sold to the immediately preceding owner. By this time the restoration was seven years old, and the new owner took the trouble to refresh the Bentley before returning to the UK in October 1995. Since returning home, the car has been maintained by recognised Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists Hillier Hill, as evidenced by numerous related invoices on file (c.£25,000 between 2012-18), while MoT tests have been undertaken annually from 2006 until 2020, with the miles on the clock increasing by only a few each time.

It is believed that the Continental has been laid up for approximately the last two years. A new battery has been fitted; nevertheless, careful recommissioning is advised before the new owner puts the car to any serious use. Distinctly finished in gold with Burgundy leather interior, this rare S2 Continental drophead is sure of favourable attention at any prestigious motoring event.

Saleroom notices

Please note that this lot is withdrawn.

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