Lot 228: 1961 Bentley S2 Saloon

To many connoisseurs the Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars of the Fifties and early Sixties were the last cars displaying the traditional craftsmanship for which Rolls-Royce had become world-famous. Their separate chassis allowed an uncommon elegance of coachwork design, either by the Crewe factory itself or by independent coachbuilders such as H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward and James Young; the unitary construction of body and chassis of all subsequent models all but ended such a traditional association. The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S series, announced in April 1955, employed such a chassis, to which was mounted Standard Steel coachwork. Incorporating coil spring/wishbone front suspension with semi-elliptic rear springs and a single radius arm to locate the live rear axle, it also featured centralised lubrication and all-round drum brakes. Power was provided by the 4,887cc straight six engine of the Bentley R-Type Continental producing an estimated 158bhp which, via the four-speed automatic transmission, allowed a top speed of 100mph. The 110mph Silver Cloud II/S2 models of 1959 used Rolls' new light alloy V8 engine but otherwise differed only in having long life chassis lubrication, standard power steering, increased front braking effect, a reduction in rear roll stiffness, a new ventilation system and a revised facia. This is an extremely low mileage car, having covered only 22,000 miles from new. It has had just two owners, and has been in the possession of the current owner for the last 17 years. An original, undamaged, and rust-free vehicle finished in Shell over Tudor Grey with a grey leather interior is described as being in excellent condition in every respect by its current owner. The car has benefited from regular maintenance, and looks and drives as you would expect from an example with this very low mileage. Recent work has included a brake overhaul, new HT ignition cables, new power steering hoses and radiator. The car has a V5, V5c, road tax, current and past MoT's valid until August of next year which substantiate the mileage, original delivery note, buff logbook and some recent parts invoices. Of historical interest to ex Royal Naval personnel, the registration mark, HMS 252 was the number of the Royal Navy Charge Sheet.