Beschreibung:

THE PROPERTY OF COLONEL EDWINSTON L. ROBBINS FORMERLY THE PROPERTY OF H.R.H. PRINCE BERNHARD OF THE NETHERLANDS 1960 BENTLEY S2 STANDARD SALOON Chassis No. B421 LBR Black with green leather interior Engine: V8, overhead valve, single central camshaft, 6,230cc, c.200bhp at 4,500rpm; Gearbox: four speed automatic (GM/Rolls-Royce Hydramatic); Suspension: front independent, rear elliptic; Brakes: drums, hydraulic, mechanical servo. Left hand drive. At the 1959 London Motor Show, Rolls-Royce Bentley Motors introduced their first all alloy V8 engine in both the Bentley S2 and its equivalent, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II. This 6.2 liter engine, with hydraulic tappets operating overhead valves, produced an approximate 200bhp at 4500 rpm. A large quantity of alloy was used in the engine construction, enabling a similar weight to be obtained to its 4.8 liter six cylinder predecessor. The result was a larger, more powerful, engine providing an extremely smooth power curve and top speed well in excess of 110mph. The American Hydramatic automatic transmission and power steering completed the modernization, making the S2 a much more comfortable car to drive than the S1. Other changes from the earlier series included a smaller steering wheel, improvements in the braking system and variations in the instrument panel. The outstanding appeal of the S2 is its V8 engine and smooth performance. This elegant 1960 standard saloon, finished in black with green leather upholstery, is one of the later L series cars and was delivered in June 1960 to its first owner, H.R.H Prince Bernhard. The S2 was carefully maintained and used by the royal family until they sold the car on April 30, 1969 to the aide to the Commanding General of the US Airforce, Colonel L. Kearney. He in turn sold the car just a few months later on June 16, 1969 to the current owner, Colonel E. L. Robbins (USAF), the chief of Foreign Liaison in the Paris Embassy and a good friend of Prince Bernhard. During the past 30 years, the S2 Bentley has seen limited use, and in later years, it has only been used on rare occasions. In July 1996 the car had a small incident when it was mistakenly driven forward into the wall and door of the local bank. Visible damage was limited to the left front fender and lights and has been repaired. This accident unfortunately was repeated last year in the owner's garage when first gear was selected instead of reverse, and this time the car drove through the garage wall (thin timber and plaster construction) and into the owner's living room! Damage, remarkably, was again very slight (photographs taken at the time are available) with the front bumper and radiator shell taking the brunt of the damage. Fortunately, repairs will be completed shortly prior to the auction. A new bumper and radiator shell were sourced. This handsome Bentley is indicative of an original example which has benefited from some recent restoration/repair work notably to its front end; at the same time the car has been repainted. As can be expected, the original green upholstery is now showing its age. The woodwork seems fair to good. A compass has been mounted on the dashboard. The majority of small tools and the complete set of large tools and spare wheel are located in the trunk. With the paperwork is the original bill of sale to The Prince of The Netherlands and the Bentley Driver's Club chassis cards. The Bentley also has the original flagstaff brackets in each front fender indicating its royal patronage. WITHOUT RESERVE