Number 6 of only 49 left-hand drive 4-door Flying Spur Continentals by H.J. Mulliner
Reportedly built for Oscar-winning actor Gary Cooper
Matching numbers example with FIVA passport
Gearbox completely overhauled in 2022 at a cost of €9,700
Extensively driven throughout Europe by current owner
The Appeal
When it first hit the market, Bentley considered the Continental purely as a two-door coupe. It's the legendary H.J. Mulliner who brought the four-door Flying Spur to the world, and made the new lineage equally fitting as a chaffeur-driven limo or family car as it was a personal car. They were popular internationally, but only 49 Left Hand Spurs were built by Mulliner, and they've become quite the hot commodity.
As one of those 49 left-hand drive examples of the 4-door Flying Spur S2 Continental, this particular car's rarity is matched only by its fascinating provenance, having been reportedly commissioned for Hollywood legend Gary Cooper. It's a deeply handsome car, in a highly desirable colour scheme, and has been pampered throughout the vendor's tenure, right down to a full, authentic retrim with Connolly leather in 2019. The car generally presents well but there are points to note about the paintwork in the photos.
No doubt about it, this fabulous car has been maintained to a high standard, with its current owner regularly using and servicing the vehicle since 2018. With its matching numbers status confirmed by a FIVA passport and a comprehensive mechanical overhaul including a recently rebuilt gearbox, this Flying Spur is ready and waiting to impress its lucky new keeper - a truly dyed-in-the-wool classic that ticks all of the boxes.
Painted in "Dark Oriole" green - appears almost black with subtle dark green metallic effect
Solid and presentable car with points to note with paintwork in photos
Vendor advises that the car ideally requires a full respray
Colour-matched wheels
Paintwork requires attention as shown in the photos
Undercarriage appears in very good order
The Continental was already a very handsome car, but it's undeniable that the Flying Spur's distinctive, long-based lines that carry the most stately personality. From its distinctive grille to the flowing arches, everything in Mulliner's bodywork for the car is a masterclass, and this particular example is blessed with a highly desirable colour scheme, a fine state of preservation across the body and beautiful, gleaming chrome.
Inevitably some wear has bedded in, commensurate with the car's venerable years. It could be lived with or ideally the car could be improved by a full respray.
Connolly Beige leather in very good condition, reupholstered in 2019
Factory-installed air conditioning (cautiously modernised)
Hidden Alpine radio/music system in glove compartment with good sound quality
Instruments and switchgear in good working order
Air conditioning needs servicing/refilling
Factory standard except for modest air conditioning upgrade and modern hidden sound system
Modern amenities include heating, air conditioning, and Bluetooth/iPhone compatible sound system
In a time when even luxury cars feel plasticky and underwhelming, the Flying Spur really sparkles. Everything in this handsome car feels rather like a gentleman's parlour on wheels, with handsome wooden veneers and rich, comfortable leather upholstery/ With only gentle signs of use and a full reupholstering, this cabin is a grand ambassador for what Bentley believed in - the best of the best.
Besides the reupholstering, this cabin has been treated to a sympathetically modernised aircon system, a nicely concealed new sound system and even Bluetooth and iPhone compatible features. As a result, it's still very full featured for a car of its seniority, and eminently drivable.
Gearbox completely overhauled in 2022 at a cost of €9,700
Capable of sustained high-speed cruising
Original Hydramatic gearbox functions as smooth automatic or semi-automatic manual shifter
The 6¼ litre V8 was new when this car hit the market, and quickly gained an impeccable reputation. This enduring powerplant lasted all the way up until 2020 with the Bentley Mulsanne, and even back in the 1960s was a very capable engine that can keep up with modern motorway standards quite happily. Paired with the well-reputed Hydramatic gearbox, this Flying Spur will still surprise you with its pace.
We're told this car is working well and that it's been comfortable driving across several little networks - and it all comes together to solidfy this fantastic classic's credentials. image.png3.51 MB
BEFORE YOU BUY
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