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Temporary UK Import
See UK Registration/Import Status Guide in catalogue.

Closely related to the Bentley S1, and first cousin to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, the S2 differed aesthetically in its grille design, bonnet profile, and wheel covers. Under the bonnet, the S2 sported the all-new aluminum 6.2-litre, overhead valve, V-8 engine capable of producing roughly 200 hp – a 30% increase over the S1 six-cylinder engine – while achieving reduced fuel consumption. Coupled with power-assisted steering, upgraded brakes, and the Hydra-Matic four-speed, automatic transmission, the newly configured S2 was sportier, faster, and considerably more comfortable to drive than its forerunners. Between 1959 and 1962, a total of 2,308 examples of the Bentley S2 were built, with just 93 carrying two-door coupe coachwork by H.J. Mulliner.

This 1962 Bentley S2 Continental, chassis BC87CZ, bears the H.J. Mulliner & Co. Ltd. plate, denoting body no. 6497. A late-production C-series example, this right-hand-drive Bentley is one of the last of the production run. It was delivered new to H. Watson Hall of England, in February 1962, and registered with the license plate “C86BC.” While much of its early provenance is undocumented, it is believed to have been acquired by P & A Wood, Rolls-Royce and Bentley official heritage dealers in England. By 1986, the S2 was in the care of noted collector James K. Dobbs III of Memphis, Tennessee, who bought it for his 40th birthday and toured the UK before importing the Bentley into the US. In 1991, it was in the possession of Morris Gardner of Allison Park, Pennsylvania, who also owned a Flying Spur and two coupes simultaneously, all bodied by the prestigious H.J. Mulliner coachworks. Gardner later sold this Bentley to notable collector and vintage racer Herb Wetanson of Connecticut.

Purchased by the consignor in 2019, the S2 joined his extensive collection of European sports and collector cars. Today the Continental is beautifully presented throughout, sporting a refined livery of dark blue paint with fine red pinstriping down its flanks and over the rear wheel arches. The interior carries beautifully patinated original blue leather upholstery and complementary carpeting, highlighting the superb wood dashboard. Stately in every aspect, the S2 features air-conditioning, power brakes and windows, and assisted steering. In current ownership the Continental has received rebuild of its braking and power steering systems, as well as new tires.

Not only is this Bentley a prime example of the esteemed S2 Continental, it is also accompanied by copies of build sheets, registration records, and invoices. Built to last, dressed to please, and engineered to delight, this S2 Continental is the perfect companion for the scrupulous Bentley enthusiast.