Lot 060: 1961 BENTLEY S2 SALOON

Launched in 1959, the Bentley S2 and its sister car the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II were seemingly visually interchangeable with the outgoing S1 and Cloud I models. Although, underpinned by the same chassis layout as their predecessors (complete with independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and all-round, servo-assisted drum brakes), the duo boasted an all-new powerplant. Rolls-Royce's first V8 engine since the Edwardian 30HP 'Legalimit', the 6230cc unit gave notable improvements in both power and flexibility. Suddenly, these wonderfully elegant if un-aerodynamic saloons were capable of close to 120mph via their four-speed automatic gearboxes. A strong sales success, especially in the USA, the Cloud II's introduction led David Ogilvy's advertising agency to produce the classic tag line "At 60 mph the loudest noise in this new Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock". Naturally, the S2 proved to be similarly refined. Finished in silver with scarlet leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, chassis), "excellent" (bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) or "excellent / original" (interior trim) condition. Reportedly supplied new to Cheshire resident Mrs E. Madi of 'Bramshot', we are further informed that 'PFO 644' was bought by its previous (third) keeper Anthony Pearce from Robbins of Putney for £5,950 on September 15th 1978. Said to possess "extensive service history from the 1960s" as well as "all small and large tools" the Bentley rides on steel wheels and carries "Sundym glass". An imposing motor car, this nicely presented S2 is offered for sale with handbook, inspection torch, MOT certificate valid until April 2008 and historic class (free) road tax valid until March 2008.