Vehicle Description
Introduced in the autumn of 1959 and described as 'arguably the
best looking' by Martin Bennett' in his book�'Bentley Continental',
the S2 version typically cost some 40% more than the equivalent
standard steel saloon and was definitely the preserve of a
privileged few. The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2
appeared externally unchanged from their Silver Cloud and S-Type
predecessors, though their performance was considerably enhanced by
the new 6,230cc aluminium-alloy engine producing approximately 25%
more power than the old six. It offered high-speed travel in
silence and luxury. The Continental version steered away from its
often-standard steel sister and was usually coachbuilt. The firms
of H. J. Mulliner, Park Ward, James Young and Hooper all offered
handcrafted bodies on the Continental S2 chassis. Of the 388 S2
Continentals made, just 125 came draped with bodies from the
Willesden firm and, with such illustrious heritage going right back
to the early days of W. O. Bentley and his engineering company in
nearby Cricklewood, they could often be found on the C�te d'Azur
and St. Moritz.� This example sports an early example of Park
Ward's influential 'straight-through wing' body style and proved
popular; it offered a feeling of speed and elegance. Importantly a
rare factory drophead model, it was initially sold into stock at R.
S. Mead Ltd. of Maidenhead before selling to a Mr. Ferranti on
North Wales with a registration of 95 DXY in April, 1962. It came
with electrically operated windows, a power operated hood and hood
cover, Dunlop Roadspeed tubeless tyres and luggage straps. It is
worth noting that it also came with a heavy-gauge frame, UR 4743.
In 1965, the car passed to a Mr. Fattorini of Ilkley, Yorkshire
before the trail goes cold. Still carrying its original paintwork,
Regal Red with off-white leather upholstery, beige West of England
cloth headlining and beige carpeting, we pick up the story in 1990
when it caught the eye of a Mr. E. Shah. Famous for a number of
media empires and for a diverse portfolio of interests, Eddie Shah
caught the public eye when he �left' the Manchester Evening News
and launched the Today newspaper and Messenger Newspaper Group. He
quickly found his footing and soon, with a few more titles under
his belt, rocked the political establishment by using anti-trade
union laws introduced by Margaret Thatcher's�governments to defeat
the print unions. The unions were hog-tying British industry and
Eddie Shah, to his credit, bought them to the negotiating table.�A
full report and road-test was commissioned that made for expensive
reading but, never being one to shy away from a challenge, some
�12,455 was spent in 1992 to bring this specialist motorcar back up
to scratch. A Mr. Caldwell then acquired the vehicle in
approximately 1994 followed by Mr. Kent from Norfolk in 2003.
General servicing bills can be found within the history file to
this effect. Mr. Kent then rebuilt the rear springs, replaced the
main shaft and renovated the driver's seat to the tune of nearly
�4,000. Supplied in well preserved condition but with substantial
mechanical and servicing bills to its credit, FHH 45C underwent an
MoT test in 2017. It failed but, with an enterprising zeal akin to
Mr. Shah, its current owner set about the extensive and expensive
job of bringing this rare factory Continental Drophead Coup� back
to good order. For the last ten years, it has been cherished and
driven regularly. The paintwork is sound but not perfect and the
interior shows patina but no damage. The engine has been described
as good with no smoke and pulling well.�It has also had a total
brake overhaul with some of the best Bentley mechanics in the
business, Frank Dales & Stepsons of London. Whilst there, a new
mohair hood was fitted and a full 100 point service took place.
This, combined with a fresh MoT test certificate, now places this
extremely collectable motorcar front and centre in terms of
investment opportunities. Priced well and with much work completed,
this true-blue factory Continental Drophead is simply waiting to
stretch its legs with its discerning new owner. For sale by auction
on Saturday 23 September 2017 with Historics at Brooklands,
Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit, Weybridge, Surrey, Call 01753
639170