1961 | Bentley S 2 Continental

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Cliveden House event, 8 July 2025.
£70,000 - £90,000 GBP

• One of 71 right-hand-drive examples of the four-door Continental ‘Flying Spur’ built by H.J. Mulliner
• Delivered new to Berkshire hotelier Giulio Trapani in July 1961
• Presented in its factory-correct colour combination of Ming Blue over Cream Connolly leather upholstery
• Powered by a 6,230-cc aluminium V-8 engine mated to an automatic transmission
• Acquired by the consigning owner in 1988, remaining in a private collection for over three decades
• Accompanied by copies of the Bentley build sheets, a scan of an old “buff” logbook, previous United States title, a spare wheel, and a jack

Chassis number BC91BY was one of just 71 Bentley S2 Continentals bodied by H.J. Mulliner in design number 7508—the ‘Flying Spur’ Saloon. Ordered via Maidenhead dealer R S Mead Ltd for hotelier Giulio Trapani, this S2 was coated in the stunning shade of Ming Blue and upholstered in Cream Connolly leather with Biscuit carpets. Inside, electric windows were selected for all four doors at a cost of £138, alongside special Tudor two-type sun visors, a glove box, and a folding table under the instrument board. A radio and electric aerial were also installed, with indicators fitted on the central pillars, and the wheels wrapped with whitewall tyres. Tested upon completion on 7 June 1961, the Bentley was delivered to its supplying dealer on 21 July, with Mr Trapani taking delivery later that month.

Upon selling his hotel in 1966, Mr Trapani re-registered the car to his other establishment, The Olde Bell Hotel in Hurley, on 13 July 1966. Finally parting ways on 15 February 1967, the S2 was registered to Mr Charles Harvey of Morton in Marsh. Remaining with Mr Harvey until 1973, the car was later exported to the United States. By 30 August 1978, it was in the care of Californian car collector Mr Neil Parkdee Kirkham of Saratoga. The Bentley resided in Saratoga until 21 January 1988, when it was sold to the consigning owner and exported to the Netherlands.

Chassis number BC91BY has remained since on static display. Today, the car presents in its factory-correct colour combination and still sports whitewall tyres. The car is accompanied by copies of the Bentley build sheets, a scan of an old “buff” logbook, previous United States title, a spare wheel, and a jack. Please note, this vehicle would benefit from servicing prior to being driven.

One of fewer than 100 hand-built examples, this Bentley S2 is sure to attract those seeking to own a piece of 1960s British automotive luxury.

Please note this lot has entered the UK on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the UK on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the UK.


To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/ch25/.