Lot details

Year: 1960
Make: Bentley
Model: S2 Saloon EX Duke of Marlborough
Registration: PBW 900
Chassis No: B38AM
Odometer: 15,124

• Supplied new to the Duke of Marlborough, first registered at Blenheim Palace
• Over £160,000 spent during and since its comprehensive restoration

Introduced in 1959, the Bentley S2 represented an important development in the history of the marque. Its predecessor's six-cylinder engine was replaced by the newly developed 6.23-litre aluminium V8 engine of such fundamental quality that its architecture would serve Bentley and Rolls-Royce for decades. Allied to a four-speed automatic transmission, it endowed the S2 with effortless performance entirely in keeping with its imposing appearance and luxurious accommodation.

The example offered here, registration PBW 900, is distinguished by truly exceptional provenance. It was supplied new to the Duke of Marlborough and first registered at Blenheim Palace, providing an aristocratic opening chapter entirely appropriate for one of Bentley's most stately post-war motor cars. Finished in elegant Midnight Blue, PBW 900 has undergone a painstaking body-off restoration, with the work comprehensively recorded within its substantial accompanying history file. The restoration included the removal and refurbishment of the body and chassis, followed by careful refinishing and reassembly. The quality of presentation extends beneath the bonnet, where Bentley's imposing L-Series V8 is displayed to particularly pleasing effect.

More than £160,000 is understood to have been invested in the car during its restoration and subsequent maintenance. This considerable expenditure is supported by the history file, which illustrates the exceptional level of care devoted to the Bentley over many years. Notably, respected marque specialist Dennis Pilling & Son completed a full engine rebuild in 2015, while the extensive programme of work also included restoration of the car's woodwork and numerous mechanical and cosmetic improvements. Since then, a service and maintenance schedule shows significant no expense spared philosophy with Harvey Wash, Specialists in Kelvedon almost annually.

The interior is trimmed in ivory hide with complementary Wheat carpeting. Believed to be substantially original, the leather displays an attractive and entirely appropriate patina. Beautifully finished burr walnut adorns the dashboard and door capping's, while fold-down picnic tables in the rear compartment provide a particularly charming reminder of the craftsmanship and occasion associated with Bentley ownership.

At one stage, PBW 900 was fitted with a distinctive twin-headlamp conversion, however the car has since been returned to the more traditional single headlamp configuration in which it is presently offered. However, the previous twin headlamp arrangement could be reinstated should its next custodian prefer that distinctive appearance.

This is not simply a cosmetically presented motor car. The vendor reports that it runs and drives with the authority, refinement and grace expected of a properly prepared Bentley S2. While it is believed to have covered ample mileage during its lifetime, its documented restoration and extensive subsequent expenditure place it among the most thoroughly prepared examples presently available.

Combining Blenheim Palace provenance, a comprehensively documented body-off restoration, a specialist-rebuilt V8 engine and an unusually significant history file, PBW 900 presents a rare opportunity to acquire an S2 of exceptional quality and distinction. Consigned by Mathew Priddy