1962 BENTLEY S2 SALOON                                 from...

Estimate

£42,000 - £47,000

1962 BENTLEY S2 SALOON                                

from The Aldeburgh Collection

Registration Number: YSY 570
Chassis Number: B.332.DW
Recorded Mileage: 21,000 miles

As the sixties approached, Bentley turned to V8 power as a way of keeping up with its luxury rivals, especially in America. A radical change was on the cards in 1959 as Bentley felt their faithful straight-six engine was getting a bit 'long in the tooth' and in the search for a more modern power unit, they turned to the General Motors-inspired 6,230cc, all-aluminium V8. The new engine was an entirely new departure for Bentley and caused some consternation amongst traditional Bentley customers, however, in execution, their worries were short-lived, as the new power unit delivered more performance with unparalleled smoothness, creating a standard for the rest of the century and ultimately the 'S2' set the benchmark for others to follow.

The extra power produced by the V8 enabled the Bentley to now exceed 110 mph, with a respectable 0-60 time of 10.9 seconds. Visually, the new model was near identical to the previous six-cylinder cars, but with a 120 mph speedo now fitted and a more suitable smaller steering wheel, as power steering was now standard. Additional advancements included fully automatic transmission, electrically operated ride-control and a redesigned and more flexible heating and fresh air ventilation system. Most Bentley S2s carried factory 'Standard Steel Saloon' coachwork, satisfying the company's commercial requirements, and in total 2,308 Bentley S2s slid quietly through the doors of the Crewe works.

This truly wonderful later D-series Bentley S2 was ordered via London dealer Jack Barclay, to be despatched in November 1962 to its first owner Spiralynx (1933) of London E1, assigned with the cherished registration 1 ALO. The Bentley was specified in the current colour scheme of Sand with a Beige leather interior, and with the options of electric windows, a fitted radio, tubeless tyres, pillar-mounted combined parking and indicating lights.  

In the intervening years the S2 has had just 6 registered owners, joining a larger classic car collection in recent times. The Bentley has been maintained by leading specialists P & A Wood of Essex, who in 2017 carried out a program of various maintenance and minor repair works to the tune of £9,456. Attention was given to the braking and fuel systems, the steering, electrical and ignition systems, a minor engine tappet repair and gearbox overhaul, in addition to a full service. The overall appearance of the Bentley is very impressive, with an extremely good standard of coachwork and paint finish, excellent chromework. The interior trim is similarly in beautiful order, with lovely soft leather, recently fitted carpets and headlining, and an excellent finish to the wood on the dashboard and door cappings. The Bentley starts, runs and drives just as well as you would expect in a motor car of this quality.

Now showing 21,000 miles recorded, and offered with a UK V5C, original owner’s instruction book, invoices for works completed, and copies of Bentley order and build cards, this is a truly wonderful example which is highly deserving of a new home.