1959 Bentley S2

• Standard Steel S2 from 1959 looking fabulous in Silver Blue over Midnight Blue
• Subject to extensive bodywork refurbishment in the recent past
• The gearbox was replaced two years ago. New tyres fairly recently
•  The current indicated mileage is in the region of 63,000
•  Supplied with some original tools, torch etc., photographs of the refurb, an old log book, Chassis build-sheet and its V5

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 delightful S2 dates from 1959 and has been enjoyed by five owners in total including our vendor, Richard Hammond. We understand that it's been subject to extensive bodywork refurbishment fairly recently to return the venerable Bentley to top form and it's now resplendent in its original colours of Silver Blue over Midnight Blue with an excellent blue hide interior. The gearbox was replaced two years ago and the current indicated mileage is in the region of 63,000 miles.

We are advised that the tyres are recent and the car is accompanied by its original tools, torch etc. and photographs of the refurb, old log book and the Chassis build-sheet. The V5 has been applied for.