To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Fort Lauderdale event, 29
- 30 March 2019.
Estimate:
$220,000 - $240,000
- Retains original engine, body, and chassis
- Never fully restored; well-maintained mechanically and
cosmetically as needed
- Known ownership history from new
- 2016 Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance Best in Class
Nineteen fifty-nine marked an important milestone in the mechanical
development of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars. The Series I
six-cylinder engine had been developed to the fullest extent, and
most competitors had long since offered smooth and silent V-8
engines. A new 6,230-cc aluminum V-8 replaced the former
six-cylinder powerplant. Incredibly quiet and smooth, it was fitted
with hydraulic tappets along with modified braking and lubrication
systems, as well as standard automatic transmission and power
steering. Bentley's introduction of the S2 Continental continued
the company's tradition of "The Silent Sports Car," as it was an
automobile in which four adults could travel long distances in
great comfort.
Few body styles on this sporting chassis were quite as seductive as
coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner's design no. 7508, a four-door sport
saloon with sculpted rear fenders and attractive close-coupled
lines. Penned by noted designer George Moseley, the S2 was the
forerunner of the modern "four-door coupe" layout that is so
popular among today's luxury car buyers. It was nicknamed the
'Flying Spur,' which was a reference to its dashing nature. It
truly is an iconic design that is as exciting as it was when it was
introduced to buyers back in August 1959.
One of only 49 left-hand-drive examples built from 1960-1962, the
aluminum-bodied example offered here, truly one of the finest
expressions of the post-war coachbuilder's art. The car was first
delivered to Dr. George Westgate on 26 May 1960. It was finished in
a very elegant color layout of Medium Grey with matching Blue Grey
hides, the very same color scheme it wears today. During the late
1980s after capturing the 1987 RROC National Award corresponding to
the plaque still on the dashboard, it found its way to the stable
of the highly respected UK sales and restoration facility of P.J.
Fischer who reportedly and evidently carried out a high-quality
cosmetic and mechanical review of the automobile before selling it
on to a careful individual in Sweden, from whom it was acquired.
The car was shown at the 2016 Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance where
it won Best in Class, a testament to its stunning condition.
Included with this truly impressive automobile is a full set of the
correct handbooks and tool kit. The special Mulliner box
accompanies the automobile along with copies of the factory and
coachwork records. The original chassis, engine, and body have
never been separated from each other. Without question, this is one
of the finest 'Flying Spurs' available anywhere and is truly a
must-own for any collector of taste and means.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/fl19.
