Lot 135: 1961 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur

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 beautifully presented S2 Conitinental is fitted with the desirable aluminium 6 light sports saloon body by Mulliner. The V8 engine produces approx. 220 bhp which can propel this elegant limousine to an impressive top speed of some 130 mph. Creature comforts are provided with the automatic gearbox, power assisted steering and electric windows. The original leather interior has developed some nice patina over the years whereas the elegant aluminium coachwork has benefited from a repaint in the original colour combination of silver over dark blue. The car is estimated to have covered just some 18.000 miles during the last 20 years. A technical refurbishment was carried out between 1999 and 2000; during these works the shock absorbers, tyres, and brakes have been renewed. A most elegant way of continental cruising in more then one sense of the word. Zur Zeit der Produktion war der Bentley Flying Spur einer der teuersten Wagen. Mit 130 mph war er einer der schnellsten 4-Sitzer jener Jahre. Die 4-trige Alukarosserie von H.J.Mulliner gilt bis heute als eine der elegantesten. Der Einflu des RR Chef-Designers John Blatchley ist berall zu sehen. Der hier vorgestellte Wagen hat sein originales Interieur behalten, wurde immer gepflegt und ist technisch auf der Hhe. Die Alu-Karosserie wurde in den Originalfarben nachlackiert. In den letzten 20 Jahren wurden nur ca. 18.000 Meilen gefahren. Zwischen 1999-2000 fand eine technische berholung statt, bei der neue Stodmpfer und neue Reifen verbaut wurden und die Bremsen berholt wurden. Eleganter und souverner kann man eine Bentley Limousine nicht fahren