Vehicle Description
The nameDesign #991may not conjure images of wind-in-the-hair
motoring along the French Riviera, yet the shape created by Vilhelm
Koren for Park Ward & Co. was easily one of the most glamorous
bodies to grace an S-Series Bentley. The refreshingly clean form is
defined by a single, continuous belt line sweeping from the tip of
the headlamps to the subtle tailfins at the rear. The slab sides
are free of heavy swage lines and extraneous chrome, and a neatly
integrated folding top looks elegant, whether up or down. Designed
specifically for the high-performance Continental chassis, the car
was a significant break from tradition for both the coachbuilder
and Bentley, whose bosses found it too advanced for their
conservative tastes. It almost got rejected by Bentley, but the
head of styling at Park Ward pressed for its inclusion in the
catalog and thankfully succeeded. Today, Park Ward's S2 Continental
Drophead looks as sophisticated as ever and remains one of the most
sought-after of all the coachbuilt S-Series Continentals. Chassis
number BC79 LBY is one of 65 left-drive S2 Continentals clothed in
Park Ward's crisp two-door drophead coupe coachwork. Factory
records show this car was delivered to its owner in April 1961 to
Mr. C.P. Stevenson of Buffalo, NY via J.S. Inskip Motors of New
York City and finished in black with a beige hood and green
interior. The chassis card lists numerous unique features,
including a power-operated hood, electric windows and aerial,
radio, whitewall Dunlop Roadspeed tires, Marchal headlamps, and a
heavy gauge chassis. Subsequent owners included Mr. Herbert Swan in
the 1970s, and it came into the most recent owner's care in 1985.
Shortly thereafter, he handed it over to Kent Bain and his team at
Automotive Restorations in Stratford, Connecticut, where it
received a full repaint in its original shade of Mason's Black, a
new interior in tan Connolly leather, a new beige Everflex hood,
and a thorough mechanical freshening. It has since lived a charmed
life in the owner's private collection, and the restoration has
aged gracefully over the years. With its beautifully matured
restoration, BC79 LBY is a marvelous example that invites regular
enjoyment. The black paintwork remains in excellent condition and
is glossy and attractive all around. Similarly, the brightwork and
bumpers are in fine order, showing only some light polish marks on
the otherwise excellent plating. It rides on whitewall tires and
full wheel covers with body-color bands as originally equipped. To
suit the modern new styling, the cabin featured an
uncharacteristically driver-focused layout. Park Ward moved the
instruments and major controls to a binnacle in the driver's line
of sight, and the seats redesigned with long-distance, high-speed
motoring in mind. This car's interior is faithfully restored with
Connolly leather, Wilton Carpet, and wool broadcloth headlining and
is well detailed with excellent chrome fittings and hardware. The
upholstery shows some character from age and enjoyment yet remains
supple and attractive throughout. Similarly, the woodwork has a
pleasing luster, with a few minor imperfections consistent with
age. Details like the original radio, electric aerial, power hood,
and electric windows are in place. Plush, yet sporting and
sophisticated, it's easy to imagine a long day spent behind the
wheel - top-down and motoring along in impeccable style. It is in
excellent order mechanically and is the perfect choice for casual
touring or participation in a wide range of driving events. The
engine compartment is orderly and very well presented, with proper
finishes and detailing on the 6.2-litre V8. "Adequate" power goes
to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox. A detailed
history file with build records, restoration receipts, and
restoration photographs will accompany the sale. Also included are
original handbooks, coachwork handbook, and the boot-mounted tool
kit. Coachbuilt Continentals are the most coveted of the S-Series
range, and the gorgeous Park Ward drophead ranks near the top of
the charts in terms of style and desirability. The lovely example
offered here has been in the care of one dedicated enthusiast for
over 35 years and is prime for regular enjoyment in the hands of
its next caretaker. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6965-1961-bentley-s2-continental-drophead-coupe/