1959 Bentley S2

Chassis BC7LAR

• Rare S2 Continental Flying Spur with coachwork by H.J. Mulliner
• Delivered new to philanthropist Severance A. Millikin
• Equipped with factory air conditioning, electric windows, and radio
• Striking, factory-correct black over cream leather livery with whitewall tires and wheel discs
• Powered by its original, all-aluminum 6.2-liter V8 for effortless touring performance

Few automobiles better embody the effortless elegance and quiet authority of postwar British motoring than the Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur. Built during an era when Bentley remained committed to bespoke craftsmanship and understated luxury, the Continental represented the pinnacle of the marques grand touring philosophy. Combining remarkable performance with exceptional comfort and exclusivity, the S2 Continental remains one of the most desirable and sophisticated Bentleys of its generation.

Introduced in 1959, the S2 brought significant mechanical improvements over its predecessor, most notably the adoption of Bentleys new all-aluminum 6.2-liter V8 engine. Smooth, powerful, and remarkably refined, the V8 transformed the Continental into one of the finest high-speed touring cars. Capable of sustained autobahn speeds while maintaining the silence and composure expected of a Bentley, the S2 represented a masterful blend of engineering sophistication and traditional craftsmanship.

The Flying Spur body style, built by H.J. Mulliner, remains among the most admired coachbuilt designs ever fitted to the Continental chassis. Elegant yet purposeful, its crisp roofline, restrained ornamentation, and beautifully balanced proportions created a motorcar that looked every bit as capable as it was. While many luxury automobiles of the period relied on excess for distinction, the Flying Spur achieved its presence through impeccable design and subtle confidence.

Offered here is chassis BC7LAR, a particularly handsome example delivered new to Severance A. Millikin, a prominent Cleveland-based philanthropist. Millikin and his wife Greta collected 18th century French art, and frequented Paris to acquire new pieces. It is likely that Millikin ordered the Bentley through a Parisian dealer as the car was specified to French standards. The chassis was completed on April 27, 1959, with the finished motorcar delivered to the shippers on November 4 of that year. It was then delivered to Millikin at the Htel Bristol in Paris, one of the most famous hotels in the French capital. Following the Millikins, the Bentley is known to have passed through three subsequent American owners, first in 1969, then 1971, and finally in 1982.

Finished in its exceptionally attractive and correct color combination of black paint over cream leather upholstery, this Flying Spur possesses a presence that is at once stately, purposeful, and undeniably elegant. The deep black finish accentuates the clean architectural lines of the Mulliner coachwork, while wide whitewall tires and polished wheel discs provide the perfect finishing touch. It is a color combination that emphasizes the Continentals dual personality, equally capable on a concours field or arriving discreetly at a private club.

As one would expect of a Continental specified for an elaborate original owner, BC7LAR was equipped with an impressive list of factory options and special features. Among them are electric windows, Sundym tinted glass, front wing mirrors, and windscreen washers. Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of the highly desirable factory air conditioning system, a costly and uncommon option that significantly enhanced long-distance touring comfort. Additionally, a modern radio has been fitted to the Bentley and has been tastefully incorporated.

Today, this Bentley presents as a highly appealing example of one of the marques most celebrated postwar models. Retaining its original engine and sporting elegant Flying Spur coachwork as well as desirable factory equipment, BC7LAR stands as a compelling expression of British grand touring at its finest. Rare, handsome, and immensely capable, it remains exactly the sort of motorcar upon which Bentley built its enduring reputation.

Offers welcome and trades considered.