Description
Announced at the beginning of October 1959, the S2 replaces the S1’s inline six-cylinder engine with the new lightweight Rolls-Royce–Bentley V8 of the L-series, shared with the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II. It has a displacement of 6. 2 litres and significantly improved performance. The engine block and cylinder heads are aluminium alloy, and the overhead valves are operated by hydraulic tappets. The engine has a compression ratio of 8:1 and is fitted with two carburettors with an automatic choke. Among other available features, we note the fully automatic transmission, power steering, electric suspension control, redesigned and smoother climate control, and electric rear window demisters.
This 1960 Bentley S2 is finished in velour green with a creme interior and bears the chassis number B413CT. Built in November 1960, this UK-spec vehicle was shipped new to the United States where it served as personal transport for the Australian Ambassador to Washington, Sir Howard Beale, during the Kennedy era. After Sir Howard’s retirement, the vehicle accompanied him to Sydney where it was driven by a chauffeur. The car was then sold to Eric Goudie, secretary of the Canberra branch of the Rolls-Royce Owners Club of Australia, who owned it for many years until his death in 2006. Following his wife’s death a year later, the car was exported to Italy where it was extensively restored. These works included a new paint job and a complete refit (roof lining, carpets and leather) in the original colours, as well as a rebuilt engine and gearbox (total invoices for these works amount to €25, 000).
Since its importation to the United Kingdom, this vehicle has seen moderate use and has undergone a few further mechanical interventions, notably the replacement of tappets, the installation of an electronic ignition system, overhaul and adjustment of the carburettors, and the fitting of a new exhaust system.
This vehicle is in very good condition and shows virtually no signs of rust, given its Australian history. Indeed, nothing indicates that the underside of the car has ever been affected by rust or required welding work.
A large number of documents are provided, including the original build sheet.
I have owned this car for eight years. It has covered only 5, 000 miles in the last fourteen years, since the engine overhaul. This includes a trip from the United Kingdom to visit our daughter in Aix-en-Provence, with a detour through southern France, followed by a journey to the Dordogne, where the car is currently located, before being brought back to the United Kingdom this summer. It has run perfectly and can cruise all day on the motorway at the legal maximum speed without any issues.
