1960 Bentley S2 Continental

1960 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur by H.J. Mulliner

Chassis Number: BC92LAR
Coachwork by: H.J. Mulliner (Body No. 6278)
Additional Coachwork by: Chapron (Body No. 6799)
Title: Dutch Title

Key Features

• Delivered new to His Highness Prince Varanand of Siam

• Left-hand drive configuration

• Original sunroof and electric windows

• Only four owners in 62 years

A Legendary Name in Automotive History

The Continental name has always been synonymous with exclusivity, performance, and long-distance touring capability. Originally introduced in 1952 with the Continental R coupé, this high-performance luxury automobile was designed for affluent enthusiasts seeking speed, comfort, and prestige on Europe’s open roads. It was engineered with a lightweight body, a modified engine, and a streamlined design to enhance its aerodynamics, making it the fastest four-seater coupé of its time, capable of reaching 120 mph.

In 1955, Bentley introduced the S-Type, and soon after, the Continental version followed. This time, coachbuilders were commissioned to create not just coupés but also "sports saloon" bodies. Among them, H.J. Mulliner introduced the "Flying Spur" in 1957, an undisputed masterpiece of styling. Lower and more refined than the standard saloon, it featured sleek, elegant proportions while retaining an imposing presence. The Flying Spur name itself was derived from the coat of arms of the Johnstone family, who ran the Mulliner business.

Two years later, Bentley launched the S2, replacing its six-cylinder engine with an all-new 6,230cc V8, capable of producing 200 bhp. This powerful and refined engine was a perfect match for the Flying Spur, allowing it to reach an impressive top speed of 190 km/h. Not only was the Flying Spur more aesthetically appealing than the standard Bentley saloon, but it was also significantly rarer, produced in limited numbers. Recognizing its significance, Bentley revived the name for the modern Continental Flying Spur in 2005.

A Unique Provenance: The Prince of Siam’s Bentley

This particular Flying Spur is one of only 54 left-hand drive examples ever built, and fewer than ten are believed to still retain their original sunroof and electric windows. What makes this Bentley even more remarkable is its first owner—His Highness Prince Varanand of Siam. The Prince acquired the car in July 1960 for his personal use at his Swiss residence, where it was registered under the plate 'NV1'.

Finished in its original factory livery of light blue metallic coachwork with a striking Scarlett Red leather interior, this Bentley is unique in both configuration and specification. In 1969, the car passed into the hands of a Swiss government employee and was re-registered under 'B01'. It remained in Switzerland until 1987 when it was purchased by a German collector from Krefeld, who cherished the car for nearly two decades before selling it in 2005 to its current owner.

Preservation and Restoration

Although well-maintained throughout its life, the car underwent a partial restoration upon its acquisition by the current owner to ensure it remained in excellent driving condition. A more comprehensive restoration was carried out between 2017 and 2018, addressing every aspect of the vehicle’s mechanical and aesthetic integrity:

• Complete re-upholstery of the interior in red Connolly leather

• Refinishing and re-varnishing of the original wood trim

• Full refurbishment of the electrical system

• Complete engine overhaul

All restoration work is meticulously documented, with invoices included in the car’s comprehensive history file. The vehicle retains its original engine, confirming its status as a "matching numbers" and "matching colors" example. It also comes with a copy of the original Bentley Build Sheet and the original owner's book.

A Rare and Exquisite Example

With its royal provenance, exceptional originality, and painstaking preservation, this Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur is a one-of-a-kind automobile. It stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of H.J. Mulliner and Bentley’s legacy of producing the finest luxury grand tourers. With just four owners in its 62-year history, this car remains a prized collector’s item, blending aristocratic heritage with timeless elegance and performance.