Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 Bentley S2 Saloon

VIN – L272LBS
Engine Number – 386BB
Exterior Color – Silver
Interior Color – Red Leather
Engine – 6.2 Liter V8
Transmission – 4-speed Automatic
Current Miles – 104,421 miles

Highlights of This Car

Beautifully restored example of the classic Bentley
Structurally impeccable black plate California car since new
Functional AC, fresh leather, and stunning restored burled walnut finishes

General Overview

The Bentley S2 and Rolls Royce Silver Cloud models arrived in 1955, replacing the R-type and Silver Dawn models, both of which had served post war Rolls Royce brand expansion rather well, particularly in US and European markets. The final lineage of body-on-frame construction, it would be the last car available fit with handmade coach-built bodies supplied by prestigious coachbuilders. Originally powered by a six-cylinder engine, by 1959 the S2 introduced the all-new 6.2 liter aluminum alloy V8, which would prove to be a significant increase in performance and high speed cruising. This engine would remain in use until 1962, the final year of production. Power steering and power brakes were standard, as was a four-speed automatic transmission. In all, a total of 2,308 Bentley S2 models were produced before the successor Bentley S3 came to market. Opulent in virtually every respect, the Bentley S3 featured leather interior, burled walnut dashboard, door trim, and rear seat picnic tables, stunning coachwork, and luxury suspension guaranteed to delight even the most particular passengers.

History of This Car

This beautifully restored left-hand drive Bentley S2 has been in the care of long-term California automotive enthusiast/owners since new. Originally delivered to California, the car proudly displays the black and gold California license plate likely registered to the car since 1960. Copies of owner service records dating back to 1988 indicate 99,411 miles and include brake service, oil changes, and general servicing. A 1994 oil change invoice shows 001,820 miles and a 2007 invoice for service with 102,719 miles including carburetor rebuild, new plugs, dual points, condenser, cap and rotor, and air filter. The fuel pump was also removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. Further in 2007, the car was extensively serviced ($16,000 invoice) including upper and lower radiator hoses, radiator rebuild, a new thermostat and housing installed, and a new accessory drive belt. The brakes were also serviced including master cylinders, wheel cylinders, 2 new OEM brake drums, master cylinder rebuild, and new hydraulic lines. The brake servo was also rebuilt with a new clutch plate, machine work, oil seal, shims, and friction plate. The exhaust system was also addressed including new front and rear mufflers. In 2013 new tappets and new spark plug wires were installed, brake fluid changed with the servo serviced, R134A-S freon filled, and the transmission fluid flushed ($7,000 invoice).

In 2016 Madera Concepts refinished all 26 pieces of the exceptionally fine burled walnut interior including the speaker grille. The dash clock was professionally rebuilt by West Valley Instruments. At this same time, numerous parts were purchased for the restoration including new windshield and rear glass seals, various lenses, hardware seals, mounting pads, foot pedal pads, trunk weatherstrip, and hood lacing. In 2019 Gabe’s Auto Care Center upholstered the front and rear seats in red Connelly leather and supplied the carpeting for the car which was later installed by the restoration team during final assembly.

Body and paint work performed on the car included repairing the right front fender, headlight, front bumper, grille, and front parking lights. All other panels on the car were in excellent condition. During the body and paint prep work, all body panels were adjusted for best fit, and the car was stripped to bare metal in preparation for repaint. Daniele’s Auto Body performed the repaint including spraying the fender aprons gloss black, undercoating the chassis, and replacing all gaskets with correct pieces. In 2019, with the newly finished wood, leather interior, and fresh carpet, the car was reassembled, detailed, and given a final mechanical review performed by MJV Automotive including rebuilding the brake wheel cylinders and master cylinders, draining all fluids and replacing with fresh fluids, replacing spark plugs and ignition points, installing new floats for the carburetors, replacing upper and lower radiator hoses, draining transmission fluid and replacing the pan gasket, replacing the oil pan gasket and engine mount, and repairing an exhaust manifold with new gaskets and brass nuts.

Condition Overview

Today this Bentley S2 car presents in excellent condition throughout. The silver paint reveals the classic lines of these luxurious cars, and the sporting red leather interior offers a sporting touch to the Bentley lineage. The elegant chrome trim and beautiful cosmetic details convey a wonderful luxury exterior. The paint is glossy with smooth coverage and the body exhibits excellent panel fit, tight closures, and smooth operation. The brightwork is excellent throughout including the chrome bumpers, wheel covers, and iconic Bentley grille shell. The original Triplex glass, lighting, and various lenses are in excellent condition with clear finishes and no major flaws to detract from the otherwise stunning presence of this Bentley. The overall feel of the car is cohesive and very nicely presented, capturing the essence of elegant driving with luxuriant finishes.

The interior is a superb combination of high-quality materials and beautifully restored components befitting a car of this stature. The woodwork is exemplary, having been entirely removed and all 26 individual pieces refinished by experts in this craft. The wood tones are warm, inviting, and properly clear coated to a rich sheen. The Connelly leather seats are in excellent condition and the correct low pile carpeting is finished with proper perimeter beading, both of which exhibit fresh appearance since the restoration was completed. The seats have the right amount of padding, correct pleat lines and seam work, and the Connelly leather finish is in excellent condition. The dashboard wood, door caps, and picnic tables, simply gleam with beautiful burling contrasting against the red interior. The instruments are in excellent condition and the AC blows quite cool through the factory equipped dash with proper operational controls. The sill panels and door jambs are finished with equal attention to detail inviting entry to one of the most celebrated luxury driving experiences in the world.

The engine compartment is very tidy and properly maintained showing correct finishes to the engine and intake components, proper hardware, and attention to correct mechanical details, reflective of enthusiast care. The trunk is clean and honest, sporting what appears to be the original trunk carpet, original and correct tire tools and jack, and a spare tire. Though not detailed for show, the clean and dry chassis of this California car is solid, shows no evidence of structural compromise, and retains the factory original aluminum engine guards, too often discarded by unknowledgeable mechanics. Many underbody panels have been recently refinished as part of the body and paint restoration, visible from the underside of the car.

The car starts easily cold or warm settling into a smooth and quiet idle. The automatic transmission and V8 engine deliver surprisingly spirited acceleration as the car comfortably glides through modern traffic. Highway driving is gentle and bountiful, keeping up with modern cars, while maintaining surprisingly even tracking and smooth cornering despite the long wheelbase and expansive presence. Windows up and functioning AC properly working, the car is fresh, comfortable, and quiet, giving the driver a commanding view of the soaring hood line and iconic Bentley “Flying B” hood ornament. Driving a Bentley reminds even the most jaded of automotive enthusiasts of the heritage and pride afforded by commanding one of the most luxurious automobiles ever built.

Items Included with the Car

The car is accompanied by copies of records dating back to 1988 and recent mechanical service records as well as parts and services performed during restoration. Also offered with the car is an original owner’s manual, two sets of keys, an electrical schematic, radio owner’s manual and owner’s card, a car cover, and an older lambswool overlay which can be used as a front floor mat to preserve the carpeting.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608