Highlights
- Only covered 34,539 miles
- Had a full bare metal restoration in 2019 costing over £27,000
- Only covered 29 miles since restoration
- Two-tone paintwork looks stunning
- Interior is in excellent condition
- 6.23-litre engine runs fine and gearbox selects smoothly
The Appeal
Replacing the six-cylinder S1 model, the Bentley S2 launched in 1959 and featured an all-new aluminium 6,230cc V8 L-series engine that featured twin carbs and significantly boosted the performance of the model. Power-steering and air conditioning were standard, as well as an automatic four-speed gearbox.
Over 2,308 were produced at the Crewe factory before production ended in 1962.
The extra performance was welcomed by owner drivers, while the lavish amount of rear space and the supremely comfortable rear seats were enjoyed by those who preferred the chauffeur to do the work.
This 1961 is a later example that was originally exported to South Africa from new, before being reimported back to the UK and registered in 1991. The current owner has had it since 2008 and treated it to an extensive bare metal respray in 2019 at a cost of over £27,000. Since then it has covered less than 29 miles and has always been garaged. As the current owner works overseas and is rarely in the UK, he has reluctantly decided to part with it.
The History and Paperwork
- V5C present
- Current owner since 2008
- Originally exported from new to South Africa
- Reimported and UK registered in 1991
- Last MoT in 2015 at 34,510 miles
- Has only covered 320 miles since 2006
- Registered as a historic vehicle so tax and MoT exempt
- Current owner bought it from Hereford in 2008 after leaving Air Force
- He used it for a few weddings before entering another job
- Re-upholstered shortly after purchase
- Had a full bare-metal respray in 2019 at a cost of over £27,000
- Large stack of invoices detailing all work carried out on it
- Less than 29 miles driven since restoration work
- Vehicle has always been garaged since work carried out
- Owner now works overseas and drives vehicle only sporadically
The Interior
- Comfortable leather armchairs in the front are in excellent order with minor patina
- Cream leather trim was reupholstered under current owners care
- Leather trim looks unmarked in rear and carpets protected by deep pile fleece
- Burr walnut dashboard is in great condition and appears to sport all original gauges
- Dash is all original except for addition of uprated Sony Bluetooth head unit
- Combine Smiths gauge for amps, oil pressure, water temperature and fuel level
- Door cards and upper inlaid door cappings and dash top are all in excellent order
- Deep carpeting and the extensive use of leather give interior a high end feel
- Current owner reckons headlining would benefit from renewal (it is unripped)
- Caramel overmat has slight heel wear mark on driver’s side
The Exterior
- Stunning two-tone paintwork gives a real wow factor
- Glass-like paintwork shows quality of restoration work
- Paintwork is near perfect apart from minor stonechips
- Front and rear glass replaced during restoration
- Head-lights, front fog lamps and tail-lights all appear in good condition
- Bumpers and over-riders have been rechromed and gleam like new
- Brightwork is all in excellent order commensurate with paintwork
- Wheel covers with a colour-coded banding are in good order
- Four matching Vitour Galaxy whitewall tyres have ample tread and look recent
The Mechanics
- Engine bay looks neat and tidy but isn’t concours
- 6,230cc V8 engine started easily
- Four-speed automatic gearbox selected gears without issue
- Power steering worked without any undue noises
- Underneath the vehicle has benefited from undersealing and all looks solid
- Vehicle moved and braked fine for duration of photoshoot
- Current owners says engine would benefit from a tune-up
Summary
This is a car that hails from the golden era of Bentley and Rolls Royce production when cars were handbuilt in Crewe using the very best of traditional craftsmanship. This 1961 example has been comprehensively restored to a magnificent standard and wants for nothing. It’s all ready to be loved by a new owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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