Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Bentley Continental S2 Mulliner Park Ward Drophead Coupe
s/n BC96LBY
Velvet Green with Tan Leather Interior

The Bentley S series represents the last of the coachbuilt cars, and while most examples featured the standard steel saloon bodies, a few were built with Mulliner Park Ward Continental bodywork in light alloy. The lighter weight and reduced frontal area permitted higher speeds, and the brakes were upgraded with an unusual four shoe arrangement on the front wheels. These cars are part of the legendary Continental line, and the second series cars combine the mechanical refinement of the later cars (including the recently introduced aluminum 6.2 litre V8), with the more coherent styling of the earlier cars. Thanks to their well-proportioned and comparatively modern bodies, and motivated by the new V8 engine, these cars were meant for owner-drivers, and not the more insular owners of the Rolls-Royce cousins who were used to being driven instead.

This particular example is a fastidiously documented 3-owner car that has covered less than 48,000 miles from new. Its second owner kept the car from 1968 (with original invoice indicating the trade-in of a black 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 Adenauer) until 2005, and was an active RROC (Rolls-Royce Owner`s Club) member, showing the car several times. The car comes with period documentation, including judging sheets, photos and correspondence with other owners, enthusiasts, Rolls-Royce Cars, and Jack Barclay Ltd.

More recently, the car has been properly maintained, with service performed on the brake and cooling systems, including new radiator hoses, brake lines, master cylinders, relined servo, and various seals. New lambswool overlays were fitted as well, and a compression test performed, indicating even readings between 130psi and 140psi. The other service documents date back to 1968, and include much preventative maintenance, as well as the replacement of the sills in 1985.

The car comes with a tremendous amount of extras and documentation, including full tool set, jack, build sheets, and a hugely complete set of books. The build sheets indicate that the car remains in its original color combination, was fitted with optional electric windows, shorter rear axle ratio (from a Standard Steel Saloon) for better acceleration, air conditioning, and an altimeter fitted to the glove box door. The books include workshop manual, parts book, owner`s handbook, S2 drophead supplement, service location supplement, electric hood supplement, wiring diagram, lubrication and maintenance diagram, Park Ward coachwork album, original Rolls-Royce/Bentley S2 color sales brochure, S2 Continental sales pamphlet (including information on Flying Spur cars), and 2 binders of history and service records.

Cosmetically, the car is excellent, with straight rust-free body panels and excellent panel fit. The paint is very high quality and shows no significant blemishes, and the color is extremely striking and rich. The chrome is excellent, showing no significant wear or aging, while the lights and glass are excellent as well.

The interior is also excellent, with recently reupholstered seats and new lambswool overmats. The dash, door tops, and wood are original, and very well-preserved. There is extremely light surface cracking on the wood varnish on a few areas of the dashboard, and a few holes in the glovebox lid from where badges were previously attached. A modern CD player has been discreetly mounted below the dashboard.

The trunk and engine compartment are both extremely clean and tidy, with correct finishes applied where applicable. The engine compartment is detailed and the owner reports that everything, yes everything, on the car works at this time. Indeed, even the factory air conditioning works, providing freezing cold air on command.

This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire an open example of the last genuinely coach built Bentleys. Astronomically expensive when new, very few drophead Continentals were sold, and even fewer have survived, making these cars undervalued today, especially considering their uniqueness. This car is further differentiated by its irreproachable history and documentation, copious extras, and long term ownership, in addition to its sparkling cosmetic presentation.

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.

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