Vehicle Description
-Navy Blue, Tan leather interior, Tan carpeting, Restored, 6.2
Liter V8 engine, Automatic gearbox, 1 of 221 produced, Collector
ownership.
After success of the 1st generation of the S-series Bentleys and
Silver Cloud Rolls Royces, a new powerplant was needed to improve
power and keep up with the competition. By 1959, Rolls and Bentley
introduced the 6.2 Liter V8, a vast improvement over the previous
inline 6-cylinder cars. This made the new second generation Silver
Cloud and S-series cars capable of high speeds in total comfort
while maintaining the feel and performance Rolls-Royce and Bentley
owners were accustomed to. While both the S-Series and Silver
Clouds were most frequently presented with factory-made steel
saloon bodies, a limited number were cloaked by external
coachbuilders. One of the best in the business was H.J. Mulliner
who bodied 221 cars of a total of just 388 S2 Continentals
produced. The Continental provided nearly effortless long-distance,
high-speed capability, brisk acceleration, top speed of 120 mph
with the capability of carrying up to five passengers and luggage
with uncanny ease. The S2 Continental remains a true object of
desire today.
This superb example was sold new by Wessex Motors Ltd, of
Salisbury, England. Its first registered owner, F. R. Readhead Esq,
of Readhead Engineering in Salisbury. Originally delivered in Regal
Red over Tan leather interior, this S2 has enjoyed long-term
ownerships in both England and Germany. The S2 was acquired by a
German dealer in 2003. It was subsequently restored with bodywork
and paint by specialist Axel Meuten, of Dortmund, Germany and
repainted Navy Blue. The S2 remained in Europe until being found in
the ownership of well-known Rolls Royce and Bentley specialists
Frank Dale & Stepsons. At this time, it was purchased by a good
friend and client of Autosport Designs who purchased it and had
Frank Dale convert it from RHD to LHD. It was then imported to the
United States and used at his Newport, Rhode Island residence.
Sold to its most recent custodian, a collector from Virginia, only
a few years ago through Autosport Designs, Inc., this S2
Continental has just come back to us to be offered for sale for
sale once again in search of another a suitable and loving new
home. Having had the pleasure of driving this Continental
personally (Tom Papadopoulos) to Washington, D.C. in the past, I
can attest to its being superb in everyway and without a doubt one
of the best vintage automobile I have ever used for long distance
touring. It is a pleasure to drive and with impeccable road
manners.
One of the most iconic cars of Bentleys rich heritage, this S-2
Continental represents the very best in build quality and
craftsmanship. In superb in condition throughout, this S2 is
well-sorted, serviced and perfect for both long range
touring-rallies as well as for use around town.
