Make: Bentley
Model: S2
Year: 1967
Price: 29950
Gearbox: Automatic
Steering Wheel: right
S2 V8 Right-hand drive converted to "decouvrable"
Presents well and drives well
Substantial welding needed on the thin underbody sheet metal
Chassis in good condition
Dutch documents and instruction booklet
The Bentley S2, introduced in 1959 and produced until 1962, represents a significant advancement in luxury and performance of Bentley vehicles from that era. The 1961 version of the S2, featuring right-hand drive (RHD), is particularly notable for its elegant road presence. It was considered one of the most expensive production cars of its time. Wealthy buyers at the time had the choice between the Rolls-Royce Phantom V, the Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur, or the Mercedes-Benz 300d "Adenauer". If one desired something slightly less exorbitant, there was the ‘standard’ S2, of which this vehicle is an example.
The car is equipped with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine, which was a remarkable improvement over the six-cylinder engines used in earlier models. This engine not only provides more power but also a smoother and quieter ride. The exterior of the Bentley S2 exudes classic luxury, with its graceful lines and imposing grille that forms Bentley's recognizable face. The interior is a paragon of luxury, upholstered with the finest leather and featuring beautiful handcrafted wood veneer. Attention to detail is visible in every aspect of the interior, including the comprehensive instruments and comfortable seats that are both elegant and functional.
It is noteworthy that many S2 models were 'coachbuilt' cars. This means that buyers purchased the basic chassis of the car, after which independent coachbuilders such as H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, and James Young created custom bodies that reflected the personal preferences of the client. This approach allowed customers to own a car that not only provided luxury and comfort but also a unique aesthetic. Coachbuilt Bentleys often featured special functions, unique finishes, and distinctive details that set them apart from standard production models. The interior was often customized with exclusive materials, and the exterior could feature custom shapes and lines that emphasized the owner's personal style.
This Bentley S2, "B47 DV," originally started as a Standard Steel Saloon (4-door), was later converted to a "découvrable," a conversion that further enhances the exclusivity and charm of the car. A "découvrable" refers to a car where the roof structure is retained, but with a very large sliding roof that can open, offering almost a convertible-like open-air experience without removing the entire upper structure. The transformation of a Bentley S2 Standard Steel Saloon into a découvrable configuration is a subtle but impressive adjustment. During this conversion, the original lines and structural integrity of the vehicle are fully preserved. The distinctive feature of a découvrable is the large sliding roof, often made of fabric or another flexible material, which runs on a rail system, allowing nearly full retraction of the roof.
This type of roof offers the driver and passengers the luxury of open-air driving when the weather permits, while maintaining the comfort and safety of a sedan with a fixed roof. This makes it an ideal choice for those who desire the experience of a convertible but with more versatility and practical utility in varying weather conditions.
The car is in moderate condition with the original leather in the front (painted over) and new leather in the back with red piping. It drives and presents well. A major cleanup is needed underneath (a lot of welding on the sheet metal, the chassis is good). The engine and engine compartment are in very good condition. It comes with Dutch documents and an original instruction booklet with a leather cover.
