Beschreibung:

For Bentley and Rolls-Royce, the star of the 1959 London Motor Show was their first all alloy V8 engine in both the Bentley S2 and its cousin, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II. The engine produced approximately 200bhp (Bentley and Rolls-Royce would never quote horsepower figures, preferring to state that it was adequate) and, by virtue of its alloy construction, weighed the same as the 4.8-litre six-cylinder engine it replaced. The result was a smoother, more powerful ride. Bentley also offered the S2 in the elegant ""Continental""; the highest specification of the chassis. Although quite similar to the standard S2, the Continentals featured upgraded brakes and a higher rear axle ratio to handle the more demanding requirements for high speed cruising on the European continent with their more modern motorways. Continentals were consistently faster, quieter and more comfortable than standard production cars. Most Bentley S2s carried factory ""Standard Steel Saloon"" coachwork which satisfied the company's commercial requirements, but not necessarily those of all its customers. For those preferring something more exclusive, Bentley and Rolls-Royce were still offering bespoke coachwork, executed by and large on the Bentley Continental, as opposed to the standard S2 by H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward. Both coach building companies were owned by Rolls-Royce at that time. Purchased in 1993 as a replacement for a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, the vendor's intention was to use this Bentley S2 as a hobby in his retirement. He had GAR375 repainted in the original colour of Velvet Green shortly after purchase and planned it to be an ongoing restoration project while using it as a second car at weekends and holidays. The car was used until 2004 when it was parked in the garage and left after covering only 3,750 miles in his ownership. The beige leather interior requires attention but is complete except for a missing rear ashtray. The car is running and started easily after the plugs and points were cleaned, and considering that it has been standing for eight years the car runs very quietly. The vendor is going to have an MoT test carried out and if it passes he will arrange for the Road Fund License to be on the car in time for the sale. This car is supplied with a V5 registration document, old MoT test certificates, an original handbook, a photocopy of the original buff log book and a set of wheel changing tools, which include the correct tyre pump. Here is an opportunity to purchase a Bentley requiring restoration which can be completed over a long period of time while still being able to use her for rallies and events in the meantime.