Vehicle Description
Launched at the 1959 Earls Court Motor Show, the second installment
of the Bentley S-Type brought several refinements designed to
improve performance and drivability over the previous generation.
The so-called "S2" ushered in a new era for Rolls-Royce and
Bentley, marking the end of the venerable 4.9-liter inline-six and
welcoming the new all-alloy V8 which sustained the marque well into
the 2000s. Aside from the distinct power advantage over the
six-cylinder, the 6.2-liter V8 engine was shorter in length and
lighter overall thanks to its alloy construction. While Bentley and
Rolls-Royce rarely published output figures, the new V8 was at
least 20% more potent than the outgoing six, all while providing
customers with the kind of refinement and sophistication they
demanded. With Bentley designated as the more sporting of the
sister marques, the driver-focused Continental returned as an
option for the S2. Like before, the Continental offered a modest
boost in performance and was sold as a bare chassis only with no
specific body style defining the model. Crewe left that task to
independent coachbuilders including Hooper, James Young, H.J.
Mulliner, and Park Ward among others. The construction of the
chassis was primarily the same as the standard car, excepting a
taller rear axle ratio, (2.92 vs. 3.08), four-shoe front brakes,
and a lowered steering column and radiator to accommodate more
aerodynamic bodies. Much of the performance gain came through the
fitment of lighter, sportier coachwork. Once again, H.J. Mulliner
offered buyers the stylish "six-light" Flying Spur, known
internally as Design 7508. Designers subtly tweaked the shape to
give a sensation of lightness and speed. Notable to the S2 Flying
Spur is the radiator shell - gently canted forward to suggest
forward motion even when parked. Compared to the baroque-style
Standard Steel Saloon, the Flying Spur was like a finely tailored
suit, with crisp lines, taut curves, and exquisite proportions.
Mulliner used aluminum alloy, for most of the body panels, with
steel strategically added for strength. Bentley produced
approximately 388 S2 Continental chassis, and of those, just 113
were H.J. Mulliner-built Flying Spurs. The sophisticated styling
captured the essence of the Continental name, and the H.J. Mulliner
Flying Spur continues to be among the most desirable of the entire
Continental range. This beautiful Bentley S2 Flying Spur is chassis
BC39BY, one of just 64 right-hand-drive examples built by H.J.
Mulliner. Chassis records indicate the first owner was Sir Eric
Merton Miller, a hugely successful yet controversial English
property developer. Before a financial fraud scandal destroyed his
reputation, life was good for Sir Eric, having worked his way out
of a childhood of poverty to become a powerhouse in the British
real estate business. He was not shy about enjoying the fruits of
his labor, keeping expensive cars and lavish properties. Our
research shows Miller ordered his new Bentley Flying Spur early in
1961, taking delivery in March that year. He specified the car with
pushbutton electric windows, power aerial, and a gold-plated mascot
to complement the sand paintwork and beige interior. The final
flourish was the personalized registration, "1 EMM." Little else of
the car's early history is documented, and Sir Eric died at age 50
in 1977. Today, BC39BY is a wonderful example, wearing an
attractive older restoration. The current livery suits the lines of
the coachwork, with lower panels finished in dark green, accented
with a pleasing light sage-green on the upper surfaces, and
straw-colored coach stripes. The car is very attractive, with a
deep luster to the paintwork and consistent panel fit. The chrome
and polished brightwork are excellent, and the car sits properly on
the road on factory steel wheels with color-keyed wheel covers.
Some blemishes are visible in the paint finish and bodywork,
primarily along the line where the two colors meet, but despite
these minor shortcomings, the car has a pleasing character that
welcomes regular enjoyment on the road. The cabin features tan
hides on the seats and door panels, presented in very good
condition, with an inviting quality. The seating surfaces are
clean, supple, and consistent with the car's older but
well-maintained restoration. Wool carpeting, optional mouton mats,
and the headlining are in similarly tidy order. The extensive wood
trim is excellent, appearing mostly original with gorgeous veneer
and just the slightest dulling of the lacquer the door caps from
sun exposure. An aftermarket radio currently sits in the dash in
place of the original, and period-appropriate rear air-conditioning
ducts are fitted to the parcel shelf. The car includes the original
jack and a factory tool kit, still in-situ in their rightful spots
in the boot. Build records confirm this car retains the original,
matching numbers V8 engine. It presents in good, honest order,
showing signs of use and maintenance since the restoration. A
modern-style rotary A/C compressor provides more efficient running
and improved cooling ability, yet most of the remaining ancillaries
and fittings appear to be period correct or original. As presented,
this Flying Spur would be a superb choice for vintage driving
events, given its inherently sporting nature, luxurious
appointments, and robust mechanical nature. The Mulliner Flying
Spur stands as one of the most attractive post-war Bentleys, and
useable examples such as this remain in demand by devoted
enthusiasts worldwide. Offers welcome and trades considered