Lot 226: 1961 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 previously belonged to Sean Connery, first of the several James Bonds and for many devotees the definitive portrayer of �007�. The accompanying original old-style logbook records the fact that the Scottish actor was its third owner (from July 1974) and is signed by him. �393 LTO�s previous owner (a family friend of the vendor) bought the car from Mr Connery in 1979 as he brought it to Michael Walker Garages in Surrey. Since acquisition the current owners have kept the Bentley regularly serviced, MoT�d and �on the road�. Finished in two-tone Shell Grey/Tudor Grey with contrasting red leather interior, the car is offered with the aforementioned original logbook, owner�s handbook, complete tool kit including inspection lamp, current road fund licence/MoT and Swansea V5 registration document.