Chassis No. BC85AR

Engine No. A84BC

Initially producing chassis only, leaving custom coachbuilders to complete the bodies, Bentley began offering complete automobiles like the Mark IV, R-Type, and S1–S3 models post-World War II. While Bentley may have brought much of their coachbuilding in-house, the performance-oriented "Continental" versions were designed to receive bespoke coachwork in the manner of their pre-war brethren. The Continental quickly became synonymous with grand touring, offering a blend of high speed and luxury for a select group that included industrialists and movie stars among them.

Original factory documentation shows that this S2 Continental began life as a Bentley-owned "company car," rather than for those among the era's emerging "jet set" clientele as it was destined for the former Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman of Rolls-Royce, Ltd., Sir Denning Pearson. With the chassis completed in April 1960, H.J. Mulliner fitted the sporting two-door saloon coachwork, with final delivery that June. The original build sheet shows that the car was equipped with air conditioning and power windows along with the electric aerial antenna installed by Mulliner.

Likely leaving the United Kingdom for the first time, the current owner purchased the car in 2012 while located in the U.K. and subsequently imported it to the United States. With the intent to use the Bentley as transport for elite guests at a high-end London hotel, the car was then treated to a lavish comprehensive mechanical restoration by the artisans at Straight Eight of Troy, Michigan. Beginning in 2019, the original numbers matching engine was completely rebuilt while all major systems including cooling, suspension, brakes, electrical, air conditioning, rear axle, and drive shaft received work. Once completed in 2021, virtually every mechanical aspect of the car was renewed, totaling nearly $180,000. After untold hours sweating the finer details of this coachbuilt S2 Coupe, it was decided that it would be wiser if it remained in the United States as part of a spectacular group of automobiles on display.

Today, this Bentley remains a stunning example of the rarely seen S2 Continental, having covered only a scant few miles since the completion of its mechanical rejuvenation. Finished in Brewster Green with complimentary green Connolly leather, this Continental is offered with copies of its original build sheets and restoration invoices. With the unique provenance of Bentley company ownership, sought-after coachwork, and recent comprehensive service work, this 1960 Bentley S2 Continental Two-Door Saloon with coachwork by H.J. Mulliner & Co. Ltd. will surely be a regal highlight of any collection or show field it graces.