1960 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL S2 FLYING SPUR PAR H.J. MULLINER

Dutch title
Chassis n° BC92LAR
HJ Mulliner n° 6278
Chapron n° 6799

• Delivered new to HSH Prince Varanand of Siam
• Left-hand drive, original sun roof and electric windows
• Just 4 owners in 62 years !

Continental: a name that inspires dreams, transforming a Bentley into an exceptional automobile. It first appeared in 1952 on the Continental R coupé, a model that was geared towards wealthy Brits and enthusiasts of long-distance touring on the continent. It was a high-class motor car that combined an outstanding level of comfort with the capacity to cover long journeys on French roads at high speeds. Superfluous kilos were shed, the engine was modified discreetly and the body lowered. More streamlined than the standard R, the fastback rear shape added a touch of sportiness to its elegant styling. Not only was the Continental the fastest four-seater coupé in the world, capable of reaching the famed limit of 120 mph, but it also held the record for its price – at 7,800,000 francs, it was worth eight DS Citroëns! The appearance of the Bentley S Type in 1955 was accompanied a few months later by the Continental version, in line with the R coupé. This time, however, the coachbuilders also became interested in building a “sports saloon” body, which led H.J Mulliner to present his “Flying Spur” in 1957. This was undeniably an aesthetic success. Lower that the ‘standard’ saloon, it was better profiled, its styling disguising the imposing size of this understated and elegant automobile. The car had an interior to match in which the occupants were looked after royally, surrounded by the finest materials of wood and leather. Incidentally, the name “Flying Spur” was taken from the coat of arms of the Johnstone family, who ran the Mulliner business. Two years later, Bentley presented the S2, abandoning its six cylinders for the first time in favour of a V8 6 230cc engine. The 200 bhp available on this new engine was particularly suited to the Flying Spur version, giving it a top speed of 190 km/h. Better looking and more powerful than the standard version, the Flying Spur was also rarer, being produced as a limited series. Its importance in Bentley history has not escaped the manufacturer, who used the name again for the Continental Flying Spur that launched with a new style in 2005.
This Continental Flying Spur is one of just 54 left-hand drive examples, of which less than ten must still have their original sun-roof and electric windows. What’s more, the first owner of this car was none other than
His Highness the Prince of Siam who acquired the car for his own use at his Swiss residence.
It was registered ‘NV1’ in July 1960. The original livery, light blue metallic coachwork with Scarlett Red leather interior, is a particular feature of this Flying Spur, making it unique in this configuration and with these options. In 1969 it passed into the hands of a government employee and was registered, still in Switzerland, with the number ‘B01’. In 1987 the Bentley was acquired by a German from Krefeld who kept the car until 2005, when it was bought by the current owner. Our Flying Spur then underwent a partial restoration to ensure it could be driven to its full potential. Major work amounting to a full restoration was carried out in 2017 and 2018. The interior was re-upholstered in red Connolly leather, the original wood trim was treated and re-varnished, the electrics were refurbished and the engine completely overhauled. The invoices for this work are in the large file that comes with the car. Documents include a copy of the Bentley Build Sheet and the original owner’s book. This Bentley has its original engine, making it a matching numbers and matching colours car. With these options and in this livery, it is a unique model, before we even start talking about its exceptional history, with just 4 owners in 62 years !

The auction of this lot will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
https://www.artcurial.com/fr/lot-1960-bentley-continental-s2-flying-spur-par-hj-mulliner-4134-185