1961 Bentley S2 Continental 'Flying Spur' by H.J. Mulliner

Bentley"s introduction of the V-8-powered S2 Continental continued the company"s tradition of “The Silent Sports Car,” as it was an automobile in which four adults could waft comfortably at high speeds over long distances in great comfort. Few body styles on this sporting chassis were quite as seductive as coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner"s design number 7443, a four-door sports saloon with sculpted rear fenders and attractive close-coupled lines. This car was designed by George Moseley and was the forerunner of the “four-door coupes” that are so popular among today"s luxury car buyers. It was nicknamed the “Flying Spur,” which was a reference to its dashing nature, and there was no better automobile for arriving at Ascot.

Mulliner produced 128 examples of the Flying Spur on the S2 Continental chassis, of which a mere 52 were left-hand drive examples. This particular car, chassis BC47LBY, was one of those few, and quite amazingly was originally sold to the current owner's grandfather. Copies of the original factory records state that the chassis was delivered to Mulliner in Chiswick on 12th October 1960. The Continental 4 door 6 light saloon body was painted in a special order Metallic Forest Green with brown leather upholstery. The car was on test on 8th March 1961 and all of the equipment was tested and noted by the engineer. Delivery was arranged for 14th April 1961 to mainland Europe.

Special original features included electrically operated windows, Sundym glass windscreen, high frequency horns, front bucket seats, folding arm rests, speedo in kilometres, hinged rear quarter lights and home type rear number plate. Finished in its original colour scheme, the car today presents very well and has clearly been the subject of a recent restoration. The paintwork shows no signs of corrosion and the interior wood and leather are in good condition. Supplied with EU registered papers and a full fitted car cover, this highly collectable and desirable S2 Continental Flying Spur represents a very exciting opportunity for the discerning collector.