Vehicle Description
As Bentley's stablemate to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II, the S2
debuted in September 1959. While retaining the basic chassis and
design language of its predecessor, the S1, the new Bentley S2
finally marked the arrival of the all-new 6.2-liter overhead-valve
V8 engine for which the Cloud/S-Type were designed. Under
relentless design and development cycles over the previous decade
by the renowned engineers at Crewe, UK, the new powerplant featured
lighter-weight, all-alloy construction and would continue, with a
displacement increase to 6.75 litres and a myriad of careful
refinements through 2020 - a remarkably long production life and
the truest testament to the design's inherent excellence. As
introduced with the S2 in 1959, the new V8 engine was estimated to
develop over 200 brake horsepower; however, consistent with
tradition, Rolls-Royce/Bentley had long disdained publication of
horsepower ratings. Crucially, the new V8 engine allowed the
Cloud/S-Series motorcars to deliver the power and performance
buyers demanded, unfussed by power-robbing amenities like automatic
transmissions, power-assisted steering gear, and air conditioning.
In addition to its robust power output and scope for future
development, the V-8's lighter weight endowed the Rolls-Royce
Silver Cloud II and its Bentley S2 with quicker acceleration and
higher-speed potential than their immediate predecessors. Of
further significance, the Standard Steel Saloon coachwork of the
Bentley S Series and Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud lines garnered
critical acclaim by noted marque experts. Writing of the Standard
Steel body design, Bentley expert Johnnie Green opined in his
definitive book, "Bentley: Fifty years of the Marque," that "Its
lines, to say nothing of its interior appointments, were so
faultless and modern that the task of the specialist coachbuilders
had become a much more difficult one." A striking and beautifully
presented example of Bentley's companion to the Silver Cloud, this
1959 Bentley S2 Standard Steel Saloon is considerably rarer than
its Rolls-Royce sibling, as one of just 1,863 examples produced.
Build records supplied by the RREC show this left drive S2 was
delivered to an American customer via famed importer J.S. Inskip of
New York. First delivered to Allison L.S. Stern, the car left Crewe
finished in Black Pearl Valspar, over Beige Vaumol leather trim.
Today, this glamorous S2 Saloon is handsomely finished in metallic
champagne paint, applied during the late-1990s/early 2000s as part
of an extensive mechanical and cosmetic overhaul, documented via
accompanying receipts. The paintwork complements a finely restored
Parchment leather interior accented with Claret carpets and piping.
Rich Mouton wool floor mats add elegance and plush comfort.
Desirable passenger amenities and options include electric window
lifts, a discreetly and professionally installed modern stereo
system, air conditioning, and a beautiful wood-rimmed steering
wheel crafted by renowned artisan William Rau of Rau Autowood, who
also restored the rest of the rich burled walnut interior woodwork.
Thanks to years of care and maintenance, the S2 presents in
excellent condition, displaying attractive paintwork, beautiful
chrome and bright trim, and a superb cabin. It was owned by an
active Roll-Royce Owner's Club member who occasionally showed the
car in club events with strong results. In addition to a hardbound
Bentley S2 Owner's Handbook, 3rd Edition, documents include copies
of the Bentley's chassis-card records and a dossier of service and
restoration receipts amassed by the prior owner. Offered in highly
attractive condition throughout and well-sorted to match its
incomparable presence, this historic, first series V8-powered
Bentley is a prime candidate for elegant and capable touring
enjoyment or for proud display at Rolls-Royce Owners Club
gatherings and shows. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7449-1960-bentley-s2-saloon/
