What started off as the Bentley S, a luxury car produced by Bentley Motors Limited, this became known as the S1 and was produced from 1955 until 1959. The S1 was derived from Rolls-Royce’s complete redesign of its standard production car, the Silver Cloud, after World War II.
In 1959, Bentley introduced the S2 which boasted more power and was installed with the much larger 6.25 litre V8 (Six and a Quarter). The new engine had the cylinder block and heads cast in aluminum, and hydraulic tappets for the overhead valves. It was also the same engine used in the Rolls-Royce silver Cloud II.
Other improvements came in the form of power assisted steering, redesigned air conditioning and electric rear window demisters. A new dashboard was introduced, although some of the S2’s were installed with the previous dashboard. The production run for the S2 was relatively short and lasted for just 3 years, until the S3 came along.
The seller of this stunning 2 owner 1961 Bentley S2, has owned the car since 2015. He purchased the vehicle in the UK and then proceeded to drive it to Plymouth and then on the ferry to Santander in Spain, where it now resides.
The vendor reports that the Bentley had a respray to freshen it up before he took over the ownership, but it has never needed a full restoration.
The Bentley has just 2 previous UK keepers and now the vendor, who is the third.
There is a good amount of paperwork for the Bentley which comes in the form of 2 folders worth, and stretches back to when the vehicle was new. There is also the original leather folder and manual present.
Looking at the MOT history whilst the car was in the UK, it has not had any excessive advisories since 2009, when there was the mention of an exhaust gas leak.
Inside the Bentley is finished in green leather, which does have some signs of patina but that just adds to the whole charm of such a vehicle. The bench front seat is like your favourite armchair. There are some cracks showing in the leather and the colour has come off in some places. Into the rear, and again, there is some, but less patina to the leather.
The seat, like the front, still holds good shape. The door cards are generally in good condition with just some cracking to the leather armrests. The electric window switches are all reported to be working as they should.
The dashboard has a nice sheen to the top with no damage to be seen. The fascia has a few age related cracks in the lacquered finish, but is in keeping with the age of the vehicle. The instruments are reported to be working as they should, with the odometer showing a reading of 70,362 miles. All the switchgear is in good order with the writing nice and legible across the board, and the heater controls are also working correctly.
Inside the boot area is the original carpet which is in very good condition. There is also the spare wheel located below the floor, with a new tyre fitted, along with the jack and original tool kit.VqxETzkYlND9mkrGu7Ic9Q93tVyGxEIRQna6iESB.jpeg51.74 KB
The Exterior
The Bentley S2 is such a beautiful shape from every angle, the styling and craftsmanship is second to none. Starting at the front of the S2, as mentioned, the seller reports that the car has not been restored. The chrome work at the front of the Bentley is in excellent order with just some age related, very fine scratches, caused by plenty of polishing.
The lights are bright and clear with no chips or cracks to the lenses. Bentley's famous front grille is also in excellent condition, and sitting pride of place are the Bentley logo and the B mascot. The bonnet looks to align up nicely with the wings as you would expect, and further up, the windscreen is free from any chips and the chrome trim is in good order.
Looking down the flanks of this luxurious Bentley, the doors look to align as they should, with a nice even panel gap around all four. The coachwork is in superb condition with no dings or dents upsetting the smooth flowing lines of this classic Bentley. The chromework is just like the front, nice and bright with no tarnishing or pitting.
At the rear of the car, the huge boot lid aligns as it should and the chrome work is all in excellent condition, as you would expect looking at the rest of the car. The light lenses are free from any splits or cracks. The boot and roof have been finished in dark green which is a nice contrast to the anthracite body.
The wheels are also extremely clean, with the Bentley hubcaps having a body coloured section, and being free from any corrosion or damage. The tyres are matching BF Goodrich which have a good amount of tread remaining.
The Bentley S2 got an upgrade on the 4.9 litre straight 6 which was fitted to the S1. Instead, Bentley introduced the 6.25, known as the Six and a Quarter litre, rated as being able to produce 220 bhp.
The V8 is reported by the seller to start up just as it should, and comes to a smooth even idle with all 8 cylinders purring away nicely. There are no unwanted noises coming from the V8 that shouldn’t be there. Coupled to a 3-speed automatic, the 6.2 litre pulls its way through all of the gears with an effortless change.
The seller has ensured that the Bentley has been well maintained, just as the previous keepers have, which can be seen in the history file. He has had great pleasure owning and driving the car, and says it is a real pleasure to drive and never fails to turn heads.
It’s something quite special to own a classic Bentley like this 1961 S2, produced for just 3 years. Finding one in good condition is definitely getting somewhat of a challenge, especially one which is as well presented as this one.
Prices for two-door variants can be quite demanding, which usually means the four-door versions should be a solid investment. Step inside this luxurious Bentley with the stunning shapely coachwork, a smooth 6.25 litre V8 and turning heads wherever it goes. Will you be the fourth ever custodian of this classic 1961 Bentley S2?
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