1960 Bentley S2

“ Fantastic opportunity to purchase a usable Bentley S2. ”
Yes, it needs a bit of work to help it fulfil its potential but there’s life in the old thing yet and it’s just crying out for an owner who can see its potential and is happy to put the time and effort in to let it sing again.

Background
A cousin of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II, the Bentley S2 debuted in September 1959. While retaining its predecessor’s basic design and chassis, the S1’s six-cylinder engine was usurped in favour of an all-new aluminium overhead-valve V8, a powerplant that would end up being used in various models until the arrival of the Arnage almost 40 years later.

Ten years in the making, the firm maintained its long tradition of not quoting horsepower ratings, although an educated guess would put it somewhere in the region of 200bhp.

This newfound power, along with weight reductions courtesy of the S2’s alloy construction, ensured that it was useful faster than both the Silver Cloud I and the S1 with a top speed of around 115mph after passing 60 miles-per-hour in a little over ten seconds.

The S2 also introduced standard power-assisted steering and an obligatory – no manual gearbox was offered – GM/Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic gearbox.

Almost all of the 1,863 examples were factory built, although coachbuilders such as Park Ward, Hooper and James Young built a few, alongside 15 drop-dead-gorgeous drophead coupés from H.J. Mulliner.

Bentley also built 57 long-wheelbase chassis, supplying five to James Young and one to the German firm Wendler, who built a curious Bentley-Mercedes hybrid ‘yachting station wagon’, which has the benefit of exclusivity if not good looks.

Overview
The seller bought ‘571 UTO’ earlier in the year and has since spent a small fortune on it in fitting an electronic ignition system, four new whitewall tyres, a new stainless-steel battery tray, welding the chassis, and having it serviced.

However, much to his chagrin, his wife really doesn’t like it and rather than let it sit unused, he’s decided to cut his losses and let it go.

He drove it to us from his home in South Wales, a journey he described as “a nice run!” – and if it doesn’t meet its reserve, he gets to take it home and keep it with a clear conscience…

Estimate: £18,000 - £23,000

View Current Bid Price HERE