1961 Bentley S2 Continental Showcases British Coachbuilding Excellence
The Concours of Elegance is proud to present a stunning example of British coachbuilding artistry – a 1961 Bentley S2 Continental featuring elegant H.J. Mulliner design number 7514 bodywork that represents one of the most successful and beautiful interpretations of the Continental theme.
The two-door H.J. Mulliner design 7514 for the V8-powered S2 Continental evolved from the similar design 7500 created for the six-cylinder S1. Such was this interpretation’s attractiveness that it became one of the most successful coachbuilt designs of the entire S Type Continental range, with 97 examples delivered, 71 of which in right-hand drive configuration.
Chassis BC31BY was delivered new in April 1961 to P. McDonald Ltd. of Glasgow, featuring deliberately restrained specification with options limited to electric windows and aerial. The original price of £8,654 inclusive of tax – approximately £200,000 today – underlined the exclusive nature of these bespoke motorcars.
The original two-tone colour scheme was Sage Green over Velvet Green with Green VM3124 leather upholstery. Following Scottish delivery, the Continental was sold to a Surrey gentleman in the same year. By 1983, the odometer showed nearly 60,000 miles, but remarkably covered only another 14,000 miles over the subsequent 35 years as it passed through discerning owners in the UK and France.
The current owner acquired the car in 2018, by which time it had lost its original two-tone paint scheme. They set about restoring to its original specification.
What began as simple cosmetic refresh evolved into something far more comprehensive. The owner embarked upon a meticulous five-year, 5,000-hour complete restoration by specialists P & A Wood, completed in 2023.
This exhaustive process returned every aspect to concours condition while respecting original specification and H.J. Mulliner’s subtle artistry. The result perfectly captures the essence of British luxury motoring from the early 1960s – when such vehicles represented the absolute pinnacle of automotive refinement.
The restored Continental graces Hampton Court Palace from September 5th to 7th, representing Bentley engineering excellence and specialist dedication ensuring these British coachbuilding masterpieces continue inspiring future generations.
