Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur by H.J. Mulliner
The Bentley S2 Continental represents a pivotal moment in Bentley history, marking the introduction of the legendary aluminium V8 engine that would power Bentleys and Rolls-Royces for over five decades. When mated to the exclusive Continental specification and clothed in bespoke coachwork by one of Britain's finest coachbuilders, it created one of the most desirable and exclusive motor cars of the late 1950s.
The Continental designation within the Bentley range had always signified something special. Since the original R-Type Continental of 1952, it had denoted a lighter, higher-performance chassis intended for owners who wished to drive fast across the continent in supreme comfort. The S2 Continental continued this tradition, receiving a tuned version of the new 6.2-litre V8 with a higher compression ratio, modified camshafts, and a raised power output estimated at approximately 200 bhp — Bentley famously quoting power as 'adequate' and declining to publish official figures.
The most celebrated body style fitted to the S2 Continental was the Flying Spur, designed and built by H.J. Mulliner. The name was inspired by the Mulliner family crest, which features a spur with wings. This elegant four-door saloon body combined graceful proportions with a surprisingly low roofline, giving the substantial car a sense of speed even when stationary. The flowing lines, razor-edge rear quarters, and delicate chrome detailing exemplified the very finest traditions of British coachbuilding.
The interior was finished to the most exacting standards, with hand-stitched Connolly leather, polished walnut veneers, Wilton carpeting, and individual attention to each customer's specifications. No two Flying Spurs were quite identical, as each buyer could specify their preferred colour combinations, trim materials, and equipment.
Only 388 S2 Continentals were built across all body styles, making them considerably rarer than the standard S2. The Flying Spur four-door is perhaps the most practical variant, offering genuine four-passenger accommodation with grand touring capability, and it remains one of the most sought-after post-war Bentleys among collectors.
Provenance and documentation are paramount for a car of this value. Verify the chassis number through the Bentley Drivers Club or Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club. The aluminium V8 is fundamentally strong but can suffer from coolant leaks, head gasket issues, and carburettor wear. The coachbuilt body should be checked for alignment of doors, bonnet, and boot lid — poor panel fit indicates previous accident damage or structural deterioration. Chromework is extensive and specific to each coachbuilder. Interior restoration to correct specification requires specialist knowledge and materials. These cars were built to individual order, so originality can only be verified against factory build records.
Total S2 Continental production: 388 units (1959-1962), across all body styles including the H.J. Mulliner Flying Spur (four-door), Park Ward two-door, and James Young designs. The S2 Continental chassis featured a higher rear axle ratio and other performance modifications compared to the standard S2. Bentley's published power output was simply 'adequate' — the actual figure is estimated at approximately 200 bhp.