1962 Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupé
Coachwork by Park Ward Ltd
Chassis no. BC-131-LCZ
Engine no. C-130-BC

'The Bentley S2, with its sister Rolls-Royce models, gives high-speed travel in silence and luxury, while the driver and passengers enjoy the sense of well being that only British craftsmanship can give. The V8 engine, with its flashing acceleration, certainly contributes to the result and is a definite step forward in Rolls-Royce technique.' - Autosport.

The Continental version of the Bentley remained, as ever, exclusively a coachbuilt car. The firms of H J Mulliner, Park Ward, James Young and Hooper (with a solitary example) all offered bodies on the Continental S2 chassis, which differed from the standard version by virtue of its four-leading-shoe front brakes, shorter radiator and, up to chassis number 'BC99BY', higher gearing. Of these four, James Young and Hooper would soon cease coachbuilding, leaving only Mulliner and Park Ward to carry on a noble tradition. Consolidating its in-house coachbuilding capability, Rolls-Royce purchased H J Mulliner in 1959 and two years later the firm was merged with Park Ward, which had been acquired in 1939.

The car offered here, 'BC-131-LCZ', is an early example of Park Ward's influential 'straight through wing' body style. An exceptionally well documented Continental that has had only three owners from new, 'BC-131-LCZ' was kept by the first - a Mr Boyer - from 1962 to 2004, when it passed into the care of the immediately preceding owner. Mr Boyer ordered the Bentley from Jack Barclay in London, taking his new car on vacation in Scotland before shipping it back to his home in New Jersey, USA. The Bentley covered some 64,000 miles in Mr Boyer's hands and was properly maintained at all times. It is completely damage and rust free and has never had any repairs. All correspondence from the date of original purchase, bill of sale, yearly registration cards, etc come with the car.

Cosmetically the Continental is excellent, with straight body panels, regulation panel fit and very nice paintwork. All the chromework is original and excellent with no dents or pitting, while the interior is in superb order, retaining its original leather upholstery, carpeting, woodwork and radio, the latter in working order. The boot and engine compartment are likewise totally original and in excellent condition. In short: everything on this car has been well maintained and is working. The second owner continued to maintain the car properly, entrusting the work to recognised Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists, Brabo of Hillegom, Netherlands. There are invoices on file totalling circa €20,000 accumulated during his ownership, in which time the car was driven 25,000 miles.

The current (third) owner purchased the Bentley at Bonhams' Reims Sale in September 2009 (Lot 124). Since acquisition it has been maintained by Jeremy Padgett, the well known Bentley Continental specialist, and prepared by him for the various rallies and events in which it has participated. These include the Argentine Mille Miglia in Patagonia in the autumn of 2010, which was back-to-back with a 'fun run' event there and in Chile. The car has had maintenance and servicing work done since then and is in generally excellent running order. It has also been used for trips to the South of France and Italy, and another 'fun run' rally in Portugal in 2012. A new radio/CD player was installed in 2010.

Distinguished by its irreproachable history and documentation, long term ownership and excellent condition, this unique Bentley Continental is ready to go anywhere and comes with its original USA title, Dutch registration papers, V5C registration document and fresh MoT.