The straight-six at the heart of Derby-era Bentleys played no small role in earning the marque a reputation as the maker of the “Silent Sports Car”. However, as the 1960s rolled into view, the long-serving powerplant was butting up against its development ceiling. That prompted the introduction of an aluminium 6,230-cc V-8. Smooth and quiet, the new motor underlined Bentley’s status as a maker of exquisite, rapid, and graceful automobiles, and—in its various forms and developments—would be deployed until 2020, with its final application in the Mulsanne.

In the front of the S2 Continental, the engine found an ideal home. An attractive one, too, when finished in the sporting four-door ‘Flying Spur’ body design (number 7058) penned by George Moseley and realised by H.J. Mulliner.

One such example is chassis BC22LAR, offered here, which was one of around 50 examples of the S2 Continental platform configured in left-hand-drive form. According to an accompanying copy of the factory build records, the car was specified in Pacific Green over Beige leather and notably equipped with air conditioning, a rear window blind, and a speedometer that read in km/h.

The car was built for three-time Oscar-winning actor, Gary Cooper. The famous actor could not take delivery of the car, but it was nonetheless freighted to the United States, aboard the SS Andria. The ‘Flying Spur’ arrived in September 1960 and was eventually bought in June 1961 by Mr Herbert Shuffleworth, co-founder of carpet company Mohasco Industries, of Amsterdam, New York. The Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club next records that Bentley collector Willis L Jessup of Hertford, North Carolina retained possession from February 1979 until 1987. The S2 Continental was then acquired by Short Hills, New Jersey resident Mr Mark Corigliano.

The car subsequently moved to North Miami, Florida, where it was maintained by the reputable Vintage Motorworks between 1991 and 2017. Having been exhibited at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, chassis BC22LAR was advertised for sale presented in its current shade of Dark Oriole, which is almost black to the naked eye.

Duly acquired by the Monaco-based consignor, the S2’s gearbox was rebuilt by The English Car Mechanics of Opio, France in November 2022 (invoice available to view on file) at a cost of €9,702, while the car also benefits from an April 2024 service performed by Bentley Monaco.

Offered today in Dark Oriole over authenticated Beige Connolly leather, the Bentley is offered with a copy of a FIVA Identity Card issued in January 2019. It also comes with a coveted invitation to become a member of the exclusive Automobile Club de Monaco, the organisers of the Monaco Grand Prix and host to many F1 drivers.

This stately and seductive S2 Continental ‘Flying Spur’ Saloon now awaits its next discerning owner for continental touring pleasure.