Lot 559: 1960 Bentley S2 Saloon

Facing increasing competition from faster rivals and with development of its ageing six-cylinder engine nearing its end, Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached. The V8 was, of course, the predominant power unit in Rolls-Royce’s most important export market - the USA - so it was only natural that the Crewe firm would study the best American designs - principally those of Chrysler and Cadillac - for inspiration. Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their ’Cloud and S-Type predecessors, though the duo’s performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc aluminium-alloy V8 engine. Although wider and shorter than the ‘six’ it replaced, the new power unit fitted relatively easily within the engine bay, relocation of the steering box from inside to outside of the chassis frame being the most obvious alteration to the previous arrangements. Externally the new models appeared virtually unchanged, while beneath the skin Rolls-Royce’s own four-speed automatic transmission was now the only one on offer and power steering had been standardised. Immensely successful both at home and abroad, the Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 remained in production until the autumn of 1962.
This right-hand drive Bentley S2 was purchased in Canada in October 2007. The available history is limited, there being little known about the car other than the fact that it was re-sprayed in September 2005. Finished in maroon over silver with grey leather interior, the vehicle is presented in good condition throughout and offered with current MoT. The vendor advises us that the DVLA is currently processing the car’s registration and that it is expected to possess a Swansea V5C document by time of sale.