Lot 106: 1960 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. First registered to a Mr Wilfred Shirley, the car was delivered to him in Cardiff by Windway Garage on 4th October 1960 with registration WS 123. The car has been with its current owner since 24th December 1993 when it was purchased from Chelsea Workshops for £13,000 with a recorded mileage 81,764. It has since been carefully maintained by them and latterly by Sargeants of Goudhurst and then Shadow Motors. During 2002/03, a full restoration of the bodywork was undertaken with photographic records taken. Inner and outer wings were replaced, the brightwork rechromed and the body repainted in Tudor Grey with a burgundy coachline to compliment the interior. At the same time, a modern CD stereo was fitted discreetly into the driver's side cubby hole. The Bentley Driver's Club valued the car at £20,000 in 2004. This fine gentleman's carriage rides on a set of contemporary section radial tyres and benefits from a new stainless steel exhaust system. Accompanying this lot is a detailed file of ownership including bills for over £12,000 as well as £15,000 for the restoration work. A well sorted car with a 9 months MoT and a patina that money can't buy.