The Bentley S2 debuted in September 1959 and followed on from its predecessor the S1. The S2 featured the all-new aluminium Rolls-Royce – Bentley L Series V8, shared with the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II. It displaced 6.2 L and produced around 200 bhp. The S2 introduced an automatic transmission, power steering, and servo brakes as standard, with these features combining to make an excellent grand touring car. Production of the S2 Continental ran until 1962, with 388 examples being built during this time.

The S2 Continental chassis differed by virtue of its shorter radiator, four-leading-shoe front drum brakes and higher gearing. For the most part the Continental line was limited to coupes and cabriolets with one exception being the four-door Flying Spur. These included the James Young Sports Saloon, H.J. Mulliner Coupé, H.J. Mulliner Flying Spur and Park Ward Drophead Coupé. The open Drophead Coupé by Park Ward was distinct on the S2 line. It was designed by Vilhelm Koren of Norway for Park Ward with a straight-through wing line from nose to tail, hooded headlamps and a three-inch shorter radiator grille. 125 of the 388 S2 Continentals were built with this Drophead Coupé design with just 62 being produced in RHD format.

The example we are pleased to offer for sale was delivered new to a Mr John Hood of St Helier’s, Jersey in March, 1962. It was specified in Shell Grey Metallic with a Grey canvas hood and Blue leather. It was also optioned with a special-equipment radio, India tubeless tyres, electric windows, and aerial, and a heavy-gauge driver’s seat frame. The car remained in Jersey with the first owner until 1970 when it was purchased by a Dr. Wade of Harley St, London who was a race horse owner and would often use the vehicle to attend horse races around the country. Dr. Wade owned the vehicle for over 40 years until 2013 when it was purchased by its current owner.

Since being purchased in 2013, the car has been subjected to a complete body off chassis restoration to concours standards. During the restoration, it was treated to a bare metal respray in its original Shell Grey Metallic colour and a full interior retrim in Weir Premium Cranberry Leather.

The car presents superbly showing just over 48,000 miles covered with its 3 owners. It maintains its original handbooks, tool kit and an extensive history file documenting the car’s early history as well as a selection of photographs detailing the extensive restoration work. This sublime Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupé would be the perfect summer motoring companion, and hails from the very end of coach-built Bentley motorcar production. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.