17/08/2026
The Bentley S2, introduced in September 1959, was the sporting counterpart to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and featured an all-new aluminium overhead-valve V8 engine. Producing an estimated 185bhp, the lighter, more powerful engine significantly improved performance and formed the basis of Bentley's V8 powerplant for over 60 years, remaining in production until the Mulsanne ended in 2020. The S2 also introduced power-assisted steering as standard and a four-speed GM Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.
The highly desirable S2 Continental featured higher compression, improved braking, revised gearing and bespoke coachwork by Park Ward, H.J. Mulliner and James Young. Just 2,308 S2 Continentals were built, including only 97 H.J. Mulliner two-door Sports Saloons, of which 72 were right-hand drive.
This Bentley S2 Continental, chassis BC36AR, is an early Series I example delivered in February 1960. Originally intended for Geoffrey Vandervell, it was supplied with engine A35BC and an H.J. Mulliner two-door Sports Saloon body to design number 7514. Around 98 examples were built to this design, described by Bentley historian Martin Bennett as "arguably the best looking of all Bentley Continentals."
Originally registered as **2 ABM**, the car became **YRJ 897** in 1963. It first appeared in Bentley Drivers Club records that year with J.H. Mathew of Cornwall and was later owned by P. Knatchbull-Hugessen between 1966 and 1973. The only known period image shows the car winning **1st in Class G** at the 1996 Bentley Drivers Club Concours in Kensington Gardens.
Recent maintenance includes a major service, brake and suspension overhauls, steering box rebuild, transmission service, electrical repairs, light body restoration and new tyres. Performance has also been enhanced with S3 HD8 2-inch SU carburettors and an S3 distributor.
A comprehensive history file is available upon request.
