Introduced at the 1959 London Motor Show, the Bentley S2 had an all-alloy 200-horsepower V-8 engine, and due to its alloy construction, weighed the same as the six-cylinder S1 it replaced. The S2’s driving manners were much improved with a Hydramatic automatic transmission, upgraded power-assisted brakes, and power steering. Inside, the S2 had a new dashboard, incorporating updated gauges.

As a sportier variant of the S2, the factory Continental model had upgraded brakes and a higher rear axle ratio to handle the high-speed motorways. With a top speed of about 113-mph, Continentals were consistently faster, quieter, and more comfortable than standard production cars.

Certain customers, however, preferred more luxurious bespoke coachwork to the standard steel-bodied factory offerings. For these discerning individuals, James Young was one of the last coachbuilders employed by Bentley to build the four-door Saloon. As such, the coachbuilt S2 Continentals are among the most luxurious, stylish, and desirable of all the Bentley variants.

This S2 Continental by James Young is reported to be one of only five built in left hand drive and has been well maintained since new. Factory build sheets show that it was originally delivered to a Madame Marcel Colombo in Lausanne Switzerland on September 19th, 1960. It was under her care for many years and was a chauffeur driven vehicle at this time. Options selected by Ms. Colombo included: a Motorola radio, wool carpeting, and Dunlop Road Speed whitewall tubeless tires.

In the 1980’s, this Bentley was sold to an American enthusiast and it was then subsequently sold to another lady owner back in Switzerland, Mrs. Ingrid Jakob. The car remained in the care of Mrs. Jakob until the consignor purchased it and again re-imported to the U.S. about a year ago.

The car has never been the subject of a complete restoration, but it has been refurbished as needed over the years to ensure it remained in excellent condition. One update made to the car since 1960 was the addition of air conditioning. Today, it is finished in Dark Opal with its correct beige leather interior. It is reported to run and drive very well and has never been taken apart. This is the ideal Bentley for an enthusiast looking for a fine, coachbuilt example that can be driven and enjoyed.