Est. 200 hp, 6,230 cc OHV V-8, four-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with unequal-length wishbones and coil springs, opposed piston hydraulic dampers and torsion roll bar, semi-elliptic rear springs with electrically-controlled piston-type dampers and single radius rods, hydro-mechanical power assisted front and rear drum brakes, left-hand drive. Wheelbase: 3,125 mm

• Rolls-Royce Foundation documentation available for inspection

• One of only 128 Continental Flying Spur 4-Door Saloons built by coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner

• One of only 51 left-hand drive versions built

• Matching-numbers chassis and engine

1959 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 V-8 replaced the former 160-hp (estimated) six-cylinder powerplant. The 6,230-cc unit constructed almost entirely of aluminium delivered an estimated 200 hp. While similar in weight to its predecessor, it offered additional power and smoothness of operation. It was fitted with hydraulic tappets to ensure quiet running along with modified braking and lubrication systems and standard automatic transmission and power steering. The new model was first shown to the public in August 1959 and heralded with great acclaim. The appropriately named second-generation Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 models were capable of comfortably travelling at speeds in excess of 100 mph while retaining the hushed silence and smoothness of operation available only in an exclusive and virtually hand-built automobile. And, not that it mattered to most owners, fuel consumption was virtually the same despite the greater power of the new engine.

Standard bodies were produced at the factory in almost identical fashion to the Series I cars. A limited number of factory saloon bodies were also sent directly to coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner in London. Mulliner became part of Rolls-Royce in 1959 and was further merged with coachbuilder Park Ward in 1961. The special Flying Spur Saloon was offered on the Continental S2 chassis with a mere 128 produced of the total 1,865 Bentley S2 chassis built; the final examples were manufactured in October 1962. Just 51 left-hand drive units, like this example, were made.

The graceful Flying Spur with its unique sculpted rear fenders was a continuation of Design Number 7443 first offered in 1957 on the predecessor S1 Continental Saloon. It is credited to George Moseley, Chief Designer at H.J. Mulliner. The elegant styling and superb quality of the coachbuilder’s craft was made available at considerably greater cost than the standard S2 Saloon, assuring exclusivity to Bentley’s discerning clientele. Considered by aficionados to be the most desirable of the Bentley S-Series, the S2 features the added power of the new V-8 not offered in the S1 and the simplicity of the single headlight front appearance compared to the S3 with its quad headlights.

Chassis number BC35LCZ was originally delivered to H.J. Mulliner on 13 June, 1961 according to the Bentley certificate in the file completed on 7 November of that year. It was loaded onto the Sedonia for its voyage across the Atlantic from London to New York on 12 December. Upon arrival in the United States, the car was subsequently titled and registered as a 1962 and delivered to its first owner, Paul A. Nelson of Oak Park, Illinois. Originally delivered in black with scarlet upholstery, it was later changed to an attractive combination of Forest Green over Biscuit hides with contrasting piping. While in the ownership of noted collector Ervin “Bud” Lyon, it was under the care of noted experts Paul Russell & Company in Boston, Massachusetts and Vantage Motors of Miami, Florida. Restoration and repair included the engine bay, interior, freshening of the wiring and mechanics and refinishing of the interior woodwork.

More recently this striking Bentley was brought back to the UK where it has been subject to extensive care and attention in the hands of leading specialists PA Wood, accumulating invoices of almost £60,000 between 2006 and 2010, copies of which, along with details of works carried out, are available in the history file for inspection. In addition, it has been subject of a superb re-spray in the sophisticated shade of Forest Green at the skilled hands of the team of technicians at JD Classics, as well as having some of the chrome work and wood trim re-polished. Today this elegant and sporting Flying Spur presents in absolutely stunning condition. 1960s Bentleys have recently been receiving much renewed interest from collectors as they represent the absolute pinnacle in quality, luxurious coachbuilt motor cars. This, combined with a sporty Continental chassis, left-hand drive for weekend blasts down to the South of France, smart colour combination and fantastic presentation, makes this car one to pay special attention to.