1961 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur Sports Saloon
Coachwork by H J Mulliner
Registration no. 3300 HA
Chassis no. BC99BY
Engine no. B98BC

Eulogising about Bentley's new 'S'-series cars, introduced in April 1955, The Autocar wrote, 'the latest Bentley model offers a degree of safety, comfort and performance that is beyond the experience and perhaps even the imagination of the majority of the world's motorists.' Later, in October that same year, the Bentley Continental became available on the 'S' chassis, the model having been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction in R-Type form in 1952.

Having relied exclusively on six-cylinder engines since civilian production resumed at the war's end, Rolls-Royce secured its long-term future by turning to V8 power as the 1960s approached. Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their Silver Cloud and S-Type predecessors, though their performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc aluminium-alloy engine. Power-assisted steering was now standard and there was no longer the option of a manual gearbox, Rolls-Royce's own four-speed automatic transmission being the sole offering.

The S2 Continental chassis differed by virtue of its shorter radiator, four-leading-shoe front drum brakes and - up to chassis number BC99BY - higher gearing. Independent coachbuilders continued to offer alternatives to the factory's 'standard steel' bodywork, perhaps the most stylish being those produced to cloth the Bentley Continental which was, of course, only ever available with bespoke coachwork.

Rolls-Royce had envisaged the Bentley Continental as exclusively a two-door car, but late in 1957 the decision was taken to sanction the production of a four-door variation by H J Mulliner. Introduced on the S1 Continental and known as the 'Flying Spur', this design was a collaborative effort by Rolls-Royce's in-house styling department and H J Mulliner, and bore a strong resemblance both to the two-door Continental and to existing coachbuilt four-door styles on Rolls-Royce and (non-Continental) Bentley chassis. The Flying Spur body style continued on the V8-engined S2 Continental and was revised to incorporate the S3's four-headlamp front end following the latter's introduction in 1962. To the Continental's existing qualities of pace and elegance, the Flying Spur added four-door practicality, a more spacious interior and generously proportioned boot, making it even more suited to extended touring of far-flung destinations.

The car offered here, chassis number 'BC99BY, is one of only four examples built to Design Number '7508/B' in right-hand drive, with a further two cars built in left-hand drive. It differs from Design Number '7508' by virtue of its smaller rear quarter-light, affording greater privacy to rear passengers, and is commonly known as the 'Four Light' design. The car was completed in September of 1961 finished in black with grey leather interior, and was supplied by E H Organ & Sons Ltd to its first owner, engineering firm Guest, Keen & Nettlefold Ltd for their chairman, Mr Kenneth Peacock. The Bentley was given the registration '3300 HA', which it retains.

Later the Flying Spur belonged to a Mr Cazenove of Cambridgeshire, who had marque specialists P&A Wood maintain and improve the car for him during the 1990s, the works including overhauls of the engine, gearbox and suspension as well as regular servicing. Previously owned by Mr James Dakin, 'BC99BY' was acquired by the current vendor in 2013, who has had the car maintained by marque specialists Frank Dale & Stepsons. FDS carried out general servicing as well as numerous mechanical and cosmetic improvements, including work to the interior and restoration to the woodwork. The vendor has spent some £32,000 on the car with FDS during his ownership. Related bills are on file and the Bentley also comes with others from RR&B Garages (2002-2006) and P&A Wood (1993-2002). Also on file are copies of the factory build sheets; a photocopy of the old buff logbook; an original handbook; and a quantity of old MoTs and tax discs. The car is said to drive beautifully and is ready for the next owner to enjoy.