Year : 1962
Make : Bentley
Model : S2 Continental
Coachbuilder : H.J.Mulliner
Price : P.O.A
Body Type : Coupe
Colour : Gunmetal Grey
Trim : Cream Leather
Condition : Excellent throughout
Technical Data : Four speed automatic gearbox, power steering, 8 cylinder 90 degree V-configuration engine, 6.2 litres displacement, 6230cc capacity. Drum brakes servo-assisted.

1959 was an important year in the history of Rolls-Royce and Bentley when looking at the mechanical development of the companies. The series one engine had effectively run its course by this point and could not be developed any further. The approximate 160bhp output was more than sufficient but due to pressures and competition elsewhere Rolls-Royce sought out an improved power unit to deliver more speed whilst retaining the refined performance. The answer was a complete move away from the six cylinder inline engine configuration to an all new V8 unit boasting 6,230cc and an estimated 200bhp. The new V8 engine was constructed almost entirely in aluminium and was of a very similar weight to its predecessor, but featured hydraulic tappets to ensure quiet running. A few other mechanical aspects were modified including the braking and lubrication systems, with automatic transmission and power steering now standard fittings. The new second generation Silver Cloud and S series cars were capable of speeds comfortably in excess of 100mph whilst retaining the feel and performance Rolls-Royce and Bentley owners had become accustomed to. Coachbuilders H.J. Mulliner had enjoyed significant success during the 1950's with their iconic R Type Continental Fastback and subsequent S1 Continental Fastback designs. As the launch of the all new Bentley S2 Continental chassis and engine drew closer the design team at H.J. Mulliner also looked to the future and began to make some small amendments to their S1 Continentals Fastback design by re-positioning of the front spot lights on to the top of the wing line. They also listened to their customers requests for a new two door design which allowed greater luggage capacity in the boot. The result was design number 7500, built in very limited numbers which was fitted with a wrap around rear screen and fins on the front and rear wings. Design number 7500 was arguably improved further for the S2 Continental chassis with the removal of the fins to allow a more graceful line. The result was design number 7514, considered by many including ourselves to be the most attractive of all coachwork designs fitted to the S2 Continental chassis between 1959 and 1962. Chassis No BC67CZ which we are currently offering for sale is one of just 71 examples built to design number 7514 in right hand drive by H.J. Mulliner. The coachwork was constructed entirely of aluminium at their west London works, completed to order for each individual customer in the bespoke fashion that Bentley Continental owners had become accustomed to. BC67CZ was completed in April of 1962 to the order of Mr W Igoe of Virginia Water in Surrey, supplied new by Weybridge Autos. It was finished originally in 1962 in regal red with beige hides. Also specified were electrically controlled windows and aerial, both of which remain to this day. Also still present with the car is its original registration number. It was subsequently acquired in 1975 by Herbert Lees Schofiled of Oldham and then in 1986 by R P Martin of London, supplied at this time by noted Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist P.J. Fischer. Chassis number BC67CZ then spent seven years north of the border during the 1990's in the Inverness area before returning to the south of England just prior to the millennium, where it has remained ever since. This particular example has a very good mechanical history over recent years, with significant bills in the history file. It was acquired and supplied by Frank Dale & Stepsons in recent years and the exterior was completely restored to show standard at the purchasers request, with a bare metal re-paint in gunmetal grey, as well as all of the chrome being restored and re-plated. The interior is in very good condition having been re-trimmed in cream leather with new beige carpets in recent years to compliment the woodwork which is also in very good order. Chassis number BC67CZ is fitted with air conditioning that is ducted through vents in the rear parcel shelf, is complete with all of its original tools stored in their usual location in the boot, a handbook and copies of the original chassis card and factory build sheets. This handsome Bentley Continental is widely admired and appreciated wherever it is driven and is prepared for the next owner's immediate enjoyment.