Bentley’s first S-series Continental was a beautiful automobile but of rather classical lines. For the second series, the company made a rather dramatic turn, adapting a new design of fully modern mien (style no. 991) drawn by the Norwegian-born Vilhelm Koren under the direction of John Blatchley and sharing virtually none of its features with production S2s. It featured extremely clean lines, with wings that flowed cleanly from front to rear, forming slight peaks over the headlamps and neatly bladed fins in the rear. It was considered quite a step forward for Bentley at the time of its introduction—as was its construction, using aircraft-inspired methods in steel and alloy over a lightweight metal inner frame.

One of 65 left-hand-drive Drophead Coupés made, the car offered here, chassis number BC105LCZ, was originally specified for a Mr. J.J. Frankel, but final delivery was actually made to Mrs. G.B. Taylor of 1010 S. Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach, Florida, one assumes of the family that owned the delivering dealer, Taylor Motors. Originally finished in Sand with Beige hood and interior, it was specified with power hood, windows, and radio aerial, as well as Sundym glass. Following Mrs. Taylor’s use, the car appears to have remained in the Palm Beaches, as it was next recorded by the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club with Harold Crossman of Palm Beach in 1976; Mr. Crossman appears to have retained ownership until at least 1987.

While it remains in its original livery as presented to Mrs. Taylor, the car has in more recent years been part of a large private collection, and after a long period in storage exhibits considerable age and wear throughout, in particular to the finishes of the engine compartment and bodywork. It would now benefit from a careful restoration to original condition. Accompanied by copies of Rolls-Royce Foundation build and delivery documentation, it would be a most striking automobile when completed, as a fine example of one of the most audacious designs on a postwar Bentley chassis.