1961 Bentley S2 Saloon

• Probably the most original survivor to exist
• Totally documented 59,097 miles from new
• First joined our vendor's collection in May 1994
• Original paintwork, woodwork and interior
• Stunning Black Pearl with dark green leather
• Full Jack Barclay service records to 49,718 miles
• Rare and practical manual window winders
• Freshly serviced and running very well

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, setting the 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 an incredible 0-60 time of 10.9 seconds. Visually, the new model was near identical to the previous six-cylinder, but with a 120 mph speedo now fitted and a more suitable smaller steering wheel, as power steering was standardised - as was fully automatic transmission, electrically operated ride control and redesigned and more flexible heating and fresh air ventilation. 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.

The example on offer is quite likely to be the best 'original survivor' to exist worldwide. Supplied new to a Harley Street resident and first registered on 17th June 1961, initially carrying registration number RNO 3, it first changed recorded ownership in 1968, although this might be from company ownership to the, still same, private owner, when studying the accompanying Jack Barclay service books. These alone make fascinating reading and the car certainly was very busy in its first few years. In relation to services on record, the mileage of 4,348 was recorded on 3rd January 1962, 6,771 on 5th April 1962, a 'B' type service was carried out on 11 July 1966 at 36,738 miles, a