1961 Bentley

• The fifteenth of just twenty-six original left hand drive examples
• A concours exterior finish combined with its original leather interior
• Extensive cosmetic restoration works recently completed
• Extensive mechanical preparation also carried out
• Just two Swiss owners from new
• A top-class example of this very rare and beautiful Bentley Continental

Chassis No BC54LBY is the fifteenth of just twenty-six examples built to design number 7514 in left hand drive by H.J.Mulliner. The coachwork was constructed entirely of aluminium at their west London works, completed to order for each individual customer. It was originally completed in February of 1961, finished originally in metal grey with a beige leather interior. It was then shipped to Switzerland and supplied by Garage de l’Athenee in Geneva to its first owner, Mr Max Dubuis. During his long ownership, the car was repainted in light blue which were his company’s colours. Mr Dubuis is understood to have retained the car for over forty years, selling it to the second owner in around 2003 who also lived in Switzerland. During his ownership the car was used and maintained, with works including a gearbox overhaul. Chassis No BC54LBY remained in Switzerland from 1961 until 2023 when it returned to the UK for the first time since it was new. Over the past twelve months we have prepared the car to a very high standard, returning it to its former glory. The works have included a complete mechanical review and all works necessary to ensure the car performs perfectly, is reliable and also a pleasure to drive. The cosmetic works have also been extensive, with a re-paint in pacific green over brewster green, complete chrome restoration, chassis and engine bay cosmetics, a complete re-trim of the boot compartment and in the cabin the car has benefitted from a new headlining, new carpets, woodwork restoration and some attention to the original leather which we wanted to retain. The finished product looks superb and drives beautifully making it, in our opinion, one of the very best examples of this rare and stylish S2 Continental in the world. It comes complete with copy factory build sheets, complete tools, invoices and photos documenting the works carried out and Swiss papers. A stunning motor car and one that we are delighted to be offering for sale at this time.

1959 was an important year in the history of Rolls-Royce and Bentley when looking at the mechanical development of the companies. The series one engine had effectively run its course by this point and could not be developed any further. The approximate 160bhpoutput was more than sufficient but due to pressures and competition elsewhere Rolls-Royce sought out an improved power unit to deliver more speed whilst retaining the refined performance. The answer was a complete move away from the six-cylinder inline engine configuration to an all new V8 unit boasting 6,230ccand an estimated 200bhp. The new V8 engine was constructed almost entirely in aluminium and was of a very similar weight to its predecessor but featured hydraulic tappets to ensure quiet running. A few other mechanical aspects were modified including the braking and lubrication systems, with automatic transmission and power steering now standard fittings. The new second generation Silver Cloud and S series cars were capable of speeds comfortably in excess of 100mph whilst retaining the feel and performance Rolls-Royce and Bentley owners had become accustomed to. Coachbuilders H.J. Mulliner had enjoyed significant success during the 1950’s with their iconic R Type Continental Fastback and subsequent S1 Continental Fastback designs. As the launch of the all-new Bentley S2 Continental chassis and engine drew closer the design team at H.J. Mulliner also looked to the future and began to make some small amendments to their S1 Continentals Fastback design by re-positioning of the front spotlights on to the top of the wing line. They also listened to their customers’ requests for a new two door design which allowed greater luggage capacity in the boot. The result was design number 7500, built in very limited numbers which was fitted with a wraparound rear screen and fins on the front and rear wings. Design number 7500 was arguably improved further for the S2 Continental chassis with the removal of the fins to allow a more graceful line. The result was design number 7514, considered by many including ourselves to be the most attractive of all coachwork designs fitted to the S2 Continental chassis between 1959 and 1962.