1961 Bentley

• The forty-first of sixty-four examples built-in right-hand drive to Design No 7508
• Known to Frank Dale from the mid-1970s
• Supplied by Frank Dale on three previous occasions
• Complete with seat belts, air conditioning and handbook
• Extensive history and records
• Recently reviewed and prepared by our workshop team

Chassis No BC41CZ is the forty-first of just sixty-four examples built in right hand drive to Design No 7508 by H.J.Mulliner. It was originally completed in November of 1961, finished in Caribbean blue with blue grey leather. It was supplied by The Clyde Auto Co Ltd to its first owner, Mr William Black Esq of Lanarks. It is a car that Frank Dale have handled on numerous occasions over the years, first in 1974 when it was sold by us to Mr John Harding and then again in 1976 when we sold it to Mr Thomas Gibson on New Bond Street in London. It was purchased in 1986 by Mr Michael Mulford, in 1988 by Mr Grahame John Berry and was then supplied for a third time by Frank Dale in 2004. The penultimate owner to date acquired Chassis No BC41CZ in 2010 and the present owner purchased it from him in 2012. Over the past two ownerships the car has benefitted from significant works with two Bentley specialists, with works including but not limited to a re-paint, re-trim, a full mechanical review with extensive works, the fitting of air conditioning, the fitting of seatbelts and the restoration of the cabin woodwork. Following a period of limited use over the past few years and prior to being offered for sale Chassis No BC41CZ has been inspected and prepared by our workshop team. This very attractive example comes complete with copy chassis cards, original handbook and extensive maintenance and improvement records, especially from over the past fifteen years. 

The S1 Continental engine had effectively run its course by 1959 and could not be developed any further. The approximate 160bhp power output 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 Bentley Continentals refined performance. The answer was a complete move away from the six-cylinder inline engine configuration, to an all new V8 engine boasting 6,230cc and an estimated 200bhp boosting the power by nearly 25%. It had been developed at Crewe for some years prior to being fitted to the first S2 Continental chassis at the Hooper works in December of 1959 and was an immediate success. It was constructed almost entirely in aluminium and was of a very similar weight to the S1 Continentals engine but featured hydraulic tappets to ensure quiet running. A few other mechanical aspects were modified including the braking and lubrication systems, with automatic transmission now a standard fitting, making the Bentley S2 Continental a motorcar capable of speeds approaching 120mph. At a glance it would appear to be identical to the earlier S1 Continental Flying Spur, but there are a few subtle differences. These include a slightly lower radiator shell and scuttle, resulting in a slightly more downward sloping bonnet, giving the car a sportier appearance. The boot line was also lowered a few inches to sit directly above the rear bumper blade, with the rear number plate and lighting arrangement moved onto the lower section of the boot. Inside the car it came fitted with a slightly leaner steering wheel as well as stalk operated indicators.