Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur

VIN – BC73LBY
Engine Number – B72BC
Exterior Color – Royal Red
Interior Color – Black Leather
Engine – 6.2 Liter OHV V8
Transmission – 4-speed Automatic
Current Kilometers – 93,884 (TMU)

Highlights of This Car

One of 55 LHD Flying Spur Saloons by H.J. Mulliner
One of 43 Flying Spur Saloons with six-window configuration
Beautifully restored by experts P&A Wood in original colors
Powerful V8 engine with stately elegance and premier visual presence
Copiously documented with original owner’s manual and tool kit

General Overview

The Bentley S series and Rolls Royce saloons were the epitome of luxury cars offered in the very last years of custom coachbuilding. Though factory bodied cars were also available, the most exclusive opportunity existed for elite clientele to select a premier coachbuilder to satisfy their craving for the very best. The S2 presented the perfect platform for these final coachbuilt designs as it offered the all-new Rolls Royce alloy 6,230cc OHV V8 engine which put out 180hp, giving the car significantly better acceleration and high-speed cruising capability than the former inline six-cylinder engine. Additionally, with the exclusive Bentley Continental series, outfitted with sport-tuned suspension, higher gear ratios, and a dash mounted tachometer, the resultant motorcar was befitting the performance and luxury lineage of the Bentley brand.

Of the 2,300 Bentley S2 models produced, a mere 390 Continentals were built (the Continental series being exclusive to Bentley motorcars), each handmade with custom coachwork. Of these, just 128 were fitted with stunning H.J. Mulliner alloy body coachwork, 55 of which were configured with left-hand drive. Opulent in every respect, the Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur was the ultimate in elegance and exclusivity. These low-profile sport saloons featured leather interior, a burled walnut dashboard, stunning coachwork, and tuned suspension, all of which was guaranteed to delight even the most particular passengers.

History of This Car

Bentley chassis BC73BY was delivered to H.J. Mulliner December 15, 1960, in preparation for all alloy coachwork. Ordered in the rare and desirable six-window or ‘six-light’ side glass configuration, the car was finished in Regal Red and outfitted with black leather interior. As part of the original order, this Bentley was also configured with a rear-mounted air conditioning unit and several other notable options and features as listed below:

Blue Spot Radio
Marchal Headlamps
Speedometer in Miles Per Hour
Window Handle
Electric Windows
High Frequency Horns
Dunlop Whitewall Road Speed Tires
Hirschman Electric Aerial

The completed car was delivered to the first owner June 14, 1961, Mrs. N. Reisini of London, UK. Configured in left-hand drive, the owner planned to drive the car through Europe, though how many of these excursions occurred is unknown at this time. By 1981 the car had become the property of Robert Maxwell, a US resident with multiple homes throughout the country. The Bentley was regularly transported to various locations including California, New York, and Missouri. By 1990, the car was exported back to the UK and eventually Switzerland where a private collector spent more than $100,000 with top-tier restoration specialists including P&A Wood to restore the car to a very high standard. The restoration included new Regal Red paint, fresh black leather upholstery, and extensive mechanical refurbishment. The car would pass to a handful of European owners but by 2015, the same Swiss owner would purchase the car again, this time spending an additional $6k on it to freshen it for the 2019 Pebble Beach Gooding Auctions where the current and consigning owner purchased the car.

Copies of service records extend nearly 60 pages including the earliest document dated 1981 with a declared mileage of 71,083 noted at that time. Other records include a new windscreen and extensive brake work in 1983, detailed notes for service requirements in 1988, and numerous invoices from 1990-1992 when the restoration was performed. In 2020 an NOS speedometer was purchased, renewed, and calibrated. This part is included with the car as a spare. A new set of Michelin 215/75R15 tires were installed in November 2019.

Condition Overview

Today this beautifully restored Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur presents in superb condition throughout. The deep Royal Red paint enhances the Mulliner coachbuilt design while the powerful stance and classic fender lines define the epitome of luxury. The six-window design creates a beautifully fluid upper glass area to the canopy, one that defies the scale of the impressive and luxuriant seating capacity. The modest chrome trim and beautiful cosmetic details convey a delicate touch, which is no easy task on such a sumptuously formed four-door saloon. The paint is glossy with smooth coverage and the hand formed alloy coachwork exhibits excellent panel fit, tight closures, and smooth operation. The brightwork is excellent throughout including the chrome bumpers, polished wheel covers with matching painted trim, and a beautifully finished iconic Bentley grille complete with the infamous flying B. The glass, lighting, and various lenses are in excellent condition with clear finishes. The chrome side glass trim is also in excellent condition with smoothly operating glass and opening vent windows. The overall feel of the car is very elegant with a refined and unified presentation that captures the essence of luxury touring from this last of the coachbuilt era.

The interior is a superb combination of high-quality materials featuring professionally restored components befitting a car of this stature. The woodwork is beautifully finished with deep burl wood color and glossy clear coat finished to a high-quality sheen. The black leather seats are in excellent condition and the correct low pile carpeting is finished with proper perimeter beading. The seats have just the right amount of gently relaxed and supple feel to the surfaces and support. The burled wood dashboard and matching door caps present very well, in keeping with the overall excellence throughout the car. The instruments are in excellent condition however the speedometer is currently not functional though a spare one has been purchased, renewed, and calibrated, ready for installation. The car is outfitted with air conditioning which functions quite well from a control center mounted under the dashboard. The rear air conditioning ducts functions as well, though cooler air takes more time to fill the cabin space at the rear. The entry sill panels, inner door panels, headliner, and sun visors are all equally finished to the same high level as the rest of the car. The trunk compartment is clean and generally correct, finished with red carpeting, original and correct tire tools and jack, and a spare tire stored beneath the floor panel. A side compartment stores the correct jack and a set of proper tools inside the factory tool tray.

The engine compartment is very tidy and properly maintained showing correct finishes to the potent V8 engine, intake components, proper hardware, and attention to correct mechanical details. The cast Bentley firewall plate mounted to the ivory-colored firewall and underside of the hood panels, correct wiring and fasteners, and proper mechanical components reflect that this car has benefited from thoughtful Bentley specialists with attention to authenticity. Though not detailed for show, the clean and dry chassis is solid, shows no evidence of structural compromise, and the rear suspension leaf springs are properly protected with original wrapping.

The car starts immediately cold or warm and settles into a smooth idle. The automatic transmission and V8 engine combine to deliver spirited acceleration when needed and yet the performance and ride are just as comfortable motoring through city traffic. Highway driving is very pleasant both in ride manners and ease, keeping up with modern cars while remaining surprisingly maneuverable despite the long wheelbase and expansive presence. With the windows rolled up and the air conditioning engaged, the car is comfortable, quiet, and refreshing to drive. Best of all the panoramic view from the six-window coachwork creates an expansive feeling that truly evokes the spirit of luxury touring.
Items Included with the Car

The car is accompanied by copies of the factory build sheets, records dating back to 1981, selected restoration records from 1990-1992, and recent mechanical service records as well as parts and hand-written notations for services performed at various times. Also offered with the car is an original Bentley owner’s manual, service and repair manual, a framed photo of the car, a car cover, a battery tender, and two Bentley speedometers, one of which has been recently reconditioned and calibrated.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608