Beschreibung:

6,230cc OHV Alloy V8 Engine SU Carburetors 200bhp 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle 4-Wheel Drum Brakes *Shown at the Geneva Motor Show when new *Rare James Young Alloy Coachwork *Beautifully presented with restoration work performed by Hilborn Motor Car Co *Elegant and luxurious Bentley Continental Sports Saloon THE BENTLEY S2 CONTINENTAL Described by The Autocar as, 'A new stage in the evolution of the post-war Bentley,' the magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction on the R-Type chassis in 1952. With the arrival in 1955 of the final generation of six-cylinder cars, the all-new Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type, the Continental lost some of its individuality but none of its exclusivity. Dependable though it had proved, Rolls-Royce's six-cylinder engine was nearing the end of its development. At the same time the company was facing increased competition from faster rivals in the vital United States market, and it was, principally, these two factors that prompted the switch to V8 power as the 1960s approached. Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their Silver Cloud and S-Type predecessors, though their performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc aluminum engine, which produced approximately 25% more power than the old six. 'The Bentley S2, with its sister Rolls-Royce models, gives high-speed travel in silence and luxury, while the driver and passengers enjoy the sense of well being that only British craftsmanship can give,' enthused Autosport. 'The V8 engine, with its flashing acceleration, certainly contributes to the result and is a definite step forward in Rolls-Royce technique.' There were few significant changes to the running gear, though power-assisted steering was now standard and the manual gearbox had been dropped, Rolls-Royce's own four-speed automatic transmission being the sole offering. The Continental version of the Bentley remained, as ever, exclusively a coachbuilt automobile as only 388 were made in total. The firms of H J Mulliner, Park Ward, James Young and Hooper (with a solitary example) all offered hand crafted bodies on the Continental S2 chassis, which differed from the standard version by virtue of its four-leading-shoe front brakes, shorter radiator and, up to chassis number 'BC99BY', higher gearing. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED Continental chassis BC5LBY was originally delivered through S.A. DuGarage de L'Athenee in Switzerland, for their customer Ervin Piqueres. The new Bentley, in addition, had the distinction of being presented at the Geneva motor show in the year of its completion, 1961. A man of fine taste, Piqueres selected one of what is believed to be just 36 total James Young bodied 4 door sport saloons; of which just 6 where factory LHD cars like this one. This legendary workshop was established in Bromley, south eastern London in 1863 originally building horse carriages and eventually graduated to automotive work in 1908. Their first effort on a Bentley frame was completed in 1921 and by 1937 the firm had been procured by Jack Barclay, famed London based Rolls Royce dealer. By the time Mr. Piqueres placed his order, James Young had long been established as one of the foremost premium Coachbuilders for the Bentley brand. BC5LBY had additionally been optioned with appointments such as a white sided Dunlop tubeless tires, high frequency horn, and an electric Aerial as listed on the chassis specification sheet. After spending some time in the alpine environment of Switzerland, the RROC lists that the big Bentley had traded hands to Ralph H. Kress of New York by the mid 1970's. For two decades it continued under his care until 1997 when it was listed in a Rolls Royce classified with white paint and a blue leather interior. The RROC directory of 1999 then lists Richard Riegel Jr