1960 Bentley S2

As Bentleys 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 designs 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-8s 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 Bentleys companion to the Silver Cloud this 1959 Bentley S2 Standard Steel Saloon is considerably rarer than its Rolls-Royce sibling as one of just 1863 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 Owners Club member who occasionally showed the car in club events with strong results.In addition to a hardbound Bentley S2 Owners Handbook 3rd Edition documents include copies of the Bentleys 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/