Vehicle Description
Introduced in 1959, the Bentley S2 and its Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
II counterpart represented a significant advancement in both
performance and refinement for the iconic British brands. Replacing
the ageing 4.9-litre straight-six of the earlier generation, each
model benefitted from the addition of the all-new L-Series V-8
engine, an all-aluminum 6.2-litre design that brought not only the
power necessary for all its luxury appointments but a much-welcomed
improvement in performance. The S2 was one of Bentley's most
successful models. A total of 1,863 were produced by the time
production ceased in 1962. Nearly all S2s were finished with the
factory's Standard Steel Saloon bodywork, though 15 examples
benefitted from the beautifully proportioned and hugely expensive
Drophead Coupe coachwork of H.J. Mulliner & Co., Ltd. Of those
special cars, just seven would be fitted with left-hand-drive, the
first of which is featured here: chassis B75LBR. H.J. Mulliner's
design was striking. Wanting to promote their latest creation,
chassis B75LBR was built with promotional purposes in mind and was
designated for display at the 1960 New York International Auto
Show. This glamorous early history is noted on the car's factory
build sheet, which also details its original color combination of
two-tone Sand over Sable coachwork with a Tan interior and elegant
whitewall tires. Comfort and convenience options included
electrically operated windows and a convertible roof, a larger
brake pedal, and a four-piece fitted luggage set. A beautiful
original Smiths His Master's Voice radio adds to the charm of the
interior, filled with sumptuous Connolly leather and highly
polished wood that includes lovely fold-down picnic trays.
Delivered new through the famous New York Bentley and Rolls-Royce
distributor J.S. Inskip, chassis B75LBR was shipped from London to
New York via the SS Alsatia in March of 1960 in time for its
starring appearance at the New York International Auto Show. The
car was subsequently delivered to its first owner, New York-based
Wall Street securities analyst George P. Edgar, in late April.
Edgar's obituary in the New York Times suggests a colorful
personality, having emigrated from Tbilisi, in present-day Georgia,
to the United States at a young age and going on to obtain a
master's degree in economics at Columbia University. Not only was
he successful in his professional life, but he was also a committed
supporter of the New York theatre. Bentley's records show that the
S2 moved westward with its second owner, Danny Howard of Tarzana,
California, who retained the Bentley until 1995 when it was sold to
Richard Gilleland, also of southern California. The car passed
through the hands of at least one other owner before being sold to
a collector through Vantage Motorworks of Miami, Florida, in 2021.
The Bentley was serviced by the dealership prior to sale, which
included rectifying a number of cosmetic and mechanical issues,
ranging from the fabrication of new door panels and the removal of
aftermarket speakers to re-trimming the boot. The period add-on
air-conditioning system with an interesting and attractive
pushbutton control panel was recharged at this time as well. The
engine bay was refreshed, while all four shock absorbers, the brake
master cylinders, and the fuel pump were all replaced, alongside an
overhaul of the brake servo and the fitting of a new stainless
steel exhaust system. The sum total of this work amounted to more
than $83,000. An impressive level of attention and detail to the
engine and undercarriage indicates the time and effort bestowed
upon this Bentley to create the highly-polished jewel it is today.
The Bentley has been driven sparingly since and remains in superb
condition. The correct jack and tools are in place as well. An
exquisite example of a post-war, coachbuilt Bentley, these
strikingly attractive H.J. Mulliner S2 Drophead Coupes are highly
coveted, sought-after, and seldom offered for sale, presenting a
rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest Bentleys of the
period. Offers welcome, and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7566-1960-bentley-s2-drophead-coupe/
