This is a 1960 car that has effectively grown up purring around Rodeo Drive in its last home of Beverly Hills. British as can be, and rendered even more prestigious by living in such a rarefied and luxurious atmosphere 6,000 miles from its place-of-birth.

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The Bentley S2 Continental has a classic luxurious design, emphasizing the status of its owner. In addition, it is worth noting that the interior is constructed using only high-quality materials. Everyone wants to become the owner of such a prestigious car.

In 1959 the Bentley straight-6 inlet-over-exhaust-valve engine was put to pasture, and replaced by an all-new V8. The muscular engine was designed to deliver more torque, but it also allowed Bentley to deliver a product more in tune with its rivals; the improved AC was a direct consequence of the greater engine output.

Accordingly, the S2 saloon, Flying Spur and Continental models all received a shot in the arm.

Of course, there were many rumours as to the origins of this V8 – but Rolls-Royce always maintained it was an entirely in-house effort. As before, the S2 was a badge-engineered Rolls-Royce – the Silver Cloud II, the habitual Rolls-Royce and Bentley cross-flow – and none the worse for in in luxury car terms. The 6230cc unit installed in the S2 was smoothly powerful and transformed the Bentley into a grand tourer capable of running silently at speed all day long. As the copy advised in the advertisement in the London Times on Friday October 2 1959: ‘The cylinder block and heads are cast in aluminum alloy and hydraulic tappets operate the overhead valves. The engine has a compression ratio of 8 to 1 and is fitted with twin carburetors with automatic choke.’

Power steering and automatic transmission were standard, but there was very little to distinguish an S2 from an S1 visually.

The one we have now at Beverly Hills Car Club is an ultra-rare 1960 Bentley S2 Continental Sport Saloon Left-Hand-Drive with coachwork by James Young.

It comes finished in an exquisite two-tone Silver over Claret, complemented by a Dark Red leather interior adorned with Burlwood trim throughout. This timeless classic is a true testament to the craftsmanship and opulence for which Bentley is renowned.

This vehicle’s exclusivity is further enhanced by its status as one of only six left-hand-drive S2 Continentals that coachbuilder James Young ever produced. This rarity, combined with its beautiful condition, makes it a highly sought-after collector’s item and a true piece of automotive history. The car’s left-hand-drive configuration adds to its uniqueness, appealing to collectors who appreciate the rarity and significance of such a model.

Our 1960 Bentley S2 Continental Sport Saloon Left-Hand-Drive is equipped with an automatic transmission, V8 engine, dual carburetors, single exhaust outlet, Lucas branded fog lights/taillights, chrome trim, Smith instrumentation, 3-spoke steering wheel, Michelin tires, 15-inch steel wheels with Bentley hubcaps, and a spare tire. Additional convenience features include bucket/bench seating, air conditioning, dual-side rearview mirrors, analog clock, and a Blaupunkt radio.

This exceptional Bentley comes with a comprehensive history of care and maintenance, underscored by receipt copies totaling $47,239.26. These documents detail the significant investment made into the vehicle from December 2003 through June 2023, reflecting the dedication to preserving the car’s pristine condition and ensuring its mechanical integrity.

This gorgeous example has been residing in the prestigious locale of Beverly Hills, California, for the past two decades since 2004. Its presence in such an iconic area speaks volumes about its desirability and the esteem in which it is held by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

If you’re in search of a classic car that combines elegance and heritage, look no further than this extremely exclusive British classic that is mechanically sound.

In total, James Young bodied 41 S2 Continental chassis, including a four-door, six-light car to the order of Edmundo Ros, the famous Latin American bandleader, who was one of the biggest stars of the UK music scene during the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s. Ros owned the Coconut Grove club in London’s Regent Street, where the band played regularly, attracting the cream of British high society, including members of the Royal Family.

The legendary London coachbuilders James Young had been founded in 1863. In 1937 the James Young business was bought by equally legendary Bentley and Rolls-Royce dealer Jack Barclay, based in London ‘s Berkeley Square, which persuaded Scotsman A. F. ‘Mac’ McNeil to leave J Gurney Nutting & Co to become James Young’s chief designer.

During World War 2 James Young built aircraft components, mobile canteens and canvas covers. The factory was destroyed and all records were lost in 1941, the second year of The Blitz. Rebuilt, it was hit again, this time by a V-1 flying bomb, but production continued.

Coachbuilding resumed after the war. By the early 1960s 50 or 60 new bodies were being built each year mostly for export. By that time the only Bentley bodies were for Continentals.

The last S3 Continental went to its owner in early 1966.

-Alex Manos, Owner