Nineteen fifty-nine marked an important milestone in the mechanical development of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars. The Series I six-cylinder engine had been developed to the fullest extent, and most competitors had long since offered smooth and silent V-8 engines. A new 6,230-cc aluminum V-8 replaced the former six-cylinder powerplant. Incredibly quiet and smooth, it was fitted with hydraulic tappets along with modified braking and lubrication systems, as well as standard automatic transmission and power steering. Bentley’s introduction of the S2 Continental continued the company’s tradition of “The Silent Sports Car,” as it was an automobile in which four adults could travel long distances in great comfort.

Few body styles on this sporting chassis were quite as seductive as coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner’s design no. 7508, a four-door sport saloon with sculpted rear fenders and attractive close-coupled lines. Penned by noted designer George Moseley, the S2 was the forerunner of the modern “four-door coupe” layout that is so popular among today’s luxury car buyers. It was nicknamed the ‘Flying Spur,’ which was a reference to its dashing nature. It truly is an iconic design that is as exciting as it was when it was introduced to buyers back in August 1959.

One of only 49 left-hand-drive examples built from 1960–1962, the aluminum-bodied example offered here, truly one of the finest expressions of the post-war coachbuilder’s art. The car was first delivered to Dr. George Westgate on 26 May 1960. It was finished in a very elegant color layout of Medium Grey with matching Blue Grey hides, the very same color scheme it wears today. During the late 1980s after capturing the 1987 RROC National Award corresponding to the plaque still on the dashboard, it found its way to the stable of the highly respected UK sales and restoration facility of P.J. Fischer who reportedly and evidently carried out a high-quality cosmetic and mechanical review of the automobile before selling it on to a careful individual in Sweden, from whom it was acquired. The car was shown at the 2016 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance where it won Best in Class, a testament to its stunning condition.

Included with this truly impressive automobile is a full set of the correct handbooks and tool kit. The special Mulliner box accompanies the automobile along with copies of the factory and coachwork records. The original chassis, engine, and body have never been separated from each other. Without question, this is one of the finest ‘Flying Spurs’ available anywhere and is truly a must-own for any collector of taste and means.