Lot 233: 1962 Bentley S2 Mulliner Park Ward Drophead Coupe

The advent of the Bentley Continental with modern styling made the contemporary R-Type look distinctly dated. Something beyond a facelift was required. The resulting S-Type was launched in 1955 to much acclaim, the standard Park Ward body being much greater in size and grandeur compared to the preceding car. There were three phases of this model resulting in the final S3 series and a number of mechanical changes were introduced over this period. The S2 Continental was developed from the S1 on the same chassis, using the aluminium 6 litre V8 engine in place of the old 6 cylinder 4,887cc unit which had been phased out in 1959. Automatic transmission, power steering and servo brakes combined to make a superb grand touring car. The S2 is especially significant in really being the final opportunity for coachbuilders to show their full creative ability. Shortly afterwards H J Mulliner and Park Ward amalgamated and with the exception of the Flying Spur, coach built bodies available on the S3 model were rather bland and featureless compared with what had gone before. BC 1156Z must represent one of the finest modes of transport available, not only do you have the heritage of one of the finest motoring marques underneath you but there is the opportunity to have nothing but fresh air above you. This left hand drive Park Ward drophead coupe was bought by the vendor from a Mr. Gary Clark in California in 1987 through a previous Coys auction, it was then comprehensively restored in 1996 by Koerts in the Netherlands. It comes with Dutch registration papers as well as a FIVA passport allowing access to European rallies and other classic motoring events.