From the estate of the late Peter W. Schacke
1961 Bentley S2 Continental Sports Saloon
Coachwork by H J Mulliner (design no. 7514)
Registration no. Not UK registered
Chassis no. BC 20 CZ
Engine no. C19 BC

Described by The Autocar as, 'A new stage in the evolution of the post-war Bentley,' the magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction on the R-Type chassis in 1952. With the arrival in 1955 of the final generation of six-cylinder cars, the all-new Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type, the Continental lost some of its individuality but none of its exclusivity. Dependable though it had proved, Rolls-Royce's six-cylinder engine was nearing the end of its development. At the same time the company was facing increased competition from faster rivals in the vital United States market, and it was, principally, these two factors that prompted the switch to V8 power as the 1960s approached.

Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their Silver Cloud and S-Type predecessors, though their performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc aluminium-alloy engine, which produced approximately 25% more power than the old six. '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,' enthused Autosport. 'The V8 engine, with its flashing acceleration, certainly contributes to the result and is a definite step forward.' There were few significant changes to the running gear, though power-assisted steering was now standard and the manual gearbox had been dropped, Rolls-Royce's own four-speed automatic transmission being the sole offering.

The Continental version of the Bentley remained, as ever, exclusively a coachbuilt automobile. The firms of H J Mulliner, Park Ward, James Young and Hooper (with a solitary example) all offered hand crafted bodies on the Continental S2 chassis, which differed from the standard version by virtue of its four-leading-shoe front brakes, lower radiator and, up to chassis number 'BC 99 BY', 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 had purchased H J Mulliner in 1959 and two years later the firm was merged with Park Ward, which had been acquired in 1939. Of the 388 S2 Continentals made, 222 were bodied in styles that originated with H J Mulliner and 125 with those of Park Ward.

Described as 'arguably the best looking' by Martin Bennett in his book 'Bentley Continental', the S2 version typically cost some 40% more than the equivalent standard steel saloon and was the preserve of a privileged few. The S2 Continental represented the ultimate in luxury travel for the sporting motorist, affording a fast yet comfortable journey for four people and their luggage to glamorous destinations such as the Côte d'Azure and St Moritz.

Representing the pinnacle of bespoke taste in its day, 'BC 20 CZ' was supplied new in October 1961 to Messrs F S Ratcliffe (Rochdale) Ltd and first registered as 'RCK 8'. The H J Mulliner body is to design number '7514' and is surely one of the prettiest of all on a Crewe Bentley, being every bit as aesthetically pleasing as the preceding fastback. Chassis records state that the car was supplied new with lightweight seats with tipping backs and Chapman worm gear squab adjustment.

For over ten years, mainly during the 1980s, 'BC 20 CZ' is known to have belonged to the well-known actor Anthony Andrews, who had the car maintained by renowned marque specialists P & A Wood. In 1984 they rebuilt the Continental around a new chassis and carried out extensive under-body repairs and maintenance, overhauling and renewing where necessary the steering, suspension and braking systems. In 1986 P & A Wood also carried out a complete engine overhaul, bringing the total expenditure over this period to £40,000.

In 1992 the Bentley passed to a new owner, who commissioned further cosmetic work to raise the standard of its appearance higher still. In addition to routine maintenance and servicing, the car benefited from a complete interior re-trim in antique beige Connolly leather by Bob Smith, together with matching carpets, while all the woodwork was re-polished. A few years later the Bentley was treated to a bare metal repaint in Velvet Green by Nigel Cooper Coachwork Restoration, bringing total expenditure to more than £100,000. To clearly demonstrate the quality of the car, the Continental achieved a 1st prize at the 1993 Bentley Drivers' Club's Annual Concours at Hatfield House, and in 2002 was invited to the prestigious Louis Vuitton Concours.

The current vendor acquired the car in July 2003 from Maxted-Page & Baxter Ltd, and had it re-trimmed in Spinneybeck Biscuit hide. The vendor's hand written note describing his research, inspection and acquisition of the car from Maxted-Page & Baxter Ltd is on file. Since then the Bentley has covered only 8,851 kilometres (approximately 5,500 miles) and has been mostly maintained by respected specialists Garage Fritz Speich AG in Zurich, P & A Wood in Essex, and most recently Lukas Huni (in 2013).

'BC20CZ' looks every inch the concours winner and is worthy of gracing any concours lawn. The body is extremely straight with excellent panels and shut lines, while the paint, although an older application, is still excellent and almost blemish free. The same is true for the brightwork. The interior is equipped with a Blaupunkt Miami sound system, and boasts exceptional wood, carpets, seats and trim. This immaculate Bentley offers a rare opportunity for the discerning collector to acquire a well-preserved example of the renowned Continetal - the most stylish and exclusive of models.

Please note this Lot will be subject to the reduced import tax of 5% should it remain in the EU.