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1960 Bentley S2 Continental

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  • Mileage~40,385 on the clock
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine6.2-litre
  • LocationHuddersfield

AUCTION CLOSED

1960 Bentley S2 Continental

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Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

Wafting along in all the luxury you need, the Bentley is a fantastic display of British craftsmanship.

The 1960 Bentley S2 Continental with a James Young body is a rare and elegant example of postwar British luxury. Powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine, the S2 offered smoother performance and better refinement than its predecessor, making it a true grand tourer.

James Young, a renowned coachbuilder, designed bodies for a small number of these Bentleys. Their style was more conservative and understated compared to the sportier Mulliner versions, featuring clean lines, subtle chrome, and finely detailed interiors with bespoke wood and leather finishes.

With limited production numbers and timeless design, the James Young-bodied Continental remains a prized collectors' car, combining Bentley’s engineering excellence with handcrafted British coachwork.

This nicely presented Bentley features a lovely original interior and was also magazine-featured during its time in Germany - this car has been thoroughly enjoyed.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Mike the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I was searching for a Bentley Continental and the best I could find happened to be in Germany.

As a lover of many classic cars, Mike decided 12 years ago he fancied a Bentley Continental. The hunt began and ended in Germany, where he found his perfect S2, which had been shipped to Europe several years previously.

Once owned by Sir Peter Cadbury, as can be seen in the paperwork and order form, the James Young-built Bentley started out life in blue and changed to burgundy approximately 30 years ago.

Mike wasted no time and was soon on a plane to Germany, where he collected the car and brought it to the UK and enjoyed it as part of his collection for the past 10 years.

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior

Built by James Young Coachbuilders, the Bentley is less common than the more prevalent H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, and Hooper versions.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the original wheels, the trims are in good order and have been colour-coordinated to match the exterior during the restoration.

The car is fitted with 225/75/R15 USA classic tyres, which do have good tread remaining but may be of some age.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the Bentley and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your own assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

Walking around the car, for its age it presents well. There were just a couple of minor dings noted, one on the boot lid and one just above the petrol filler. There are also some blisters appearing in a couple of places, but these haven’t worsened for several years. The panel gaps are generally quite good with just the rear passenger door gap being a bit tight.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The paintwork was refinished approximately 30 years ago, in burgundy with a gold coach stripe, and has a good deep shine. It is a little flat in a couple of places, and some cracking to the paint has appeared over time.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

All windows appear to be in good order with no noticeable or excessive scratches. There is a small amount of perishing to some of the seals, and the chrome work does have a small amount of age-related tarnishing.

The headlights are all in good order with no damage to the lenses.

The rear lights have faded and discoloured slightly.

Also fitted, as requested by Mr Cadbury, is a Webasto “Sunshine Roof” - this operates correctly and is a nice addition, allowing light to flood the interior.

Interior

Leather and wood make up the majority of the high-quality handcrafted interior.

Seats and Carpets

The car retains its original seats, the front have been repaired with new Connolly leather, which are slightly darker than the centres. As you would expect, both the front and rear seats have some light patina.

The carpets have been replaced throughout to match the burgundy exterior and are in excellent condition. Also, a new headlining has been fitted.

Inside the boot, there is a matching carpet and the original spare wheel.

There is also a jack, but Mike is not sure if this is the original.

Dashboard

You only have to look at the dashboard to recognise the quality inside the Bentley. No damage was spotted and all of the instruments are working correctly, and the odometer reads ~40,385 miles at the time of our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original three-spoke steering wheel is in good order with minimal signs of age, as is the gear selector.

Mechanics

Like a Swiss watch, the 6.2-litre V8 ticks over so smoothly you can hardly hear it.

Engine and Gearbox

The 6.2-litre V8 fires up straight away and runs super smooth, with no issues reported.

Mike tells us that this has also been rebuilt in the past while in the ownership of a former keeper.

The gearchange is nice and slick, effortlessly changing as the car pulls strongly through the range.

Also Sir Peter Cadbury specified an overdrive unit fitted upon ordering.

Suspension and Brakes

When Mike got the car, the drive back from Germany was a little bit, shall we say, unpredictable. This was found to be due to the rear shock absorbers being totally worn out. These have since been replaced, and the Bentley is now fantastic to ride in with no knocks or clonks.

The brakes bring the weighty Bentley to a stop as you would expect, with no issues reported by Mike.

The Drive

Driving the Bentley is a refined and luxurious experience, offering a serene ride thanks to its smooth 6.2-litre V8 engine; the first of its kind in a Bentley.

The power delivery is effortless, and paired with the four-speed automatic gearbox, it glides through changes.

Its hydraulic power steering and supple suspension make it surprisingly easy to handle for such a large car, while the handcrafted interior of leather and wood veneer adds a sense of occasion to every journey. It’s less about speed and more about wafting along in unmatched comfort and grace.

Electrics and Other

All switchgear appears to function correctly and is in good condition for its age, apart from the rev counter as the electronic ignition has disabled it, plus both electric windows have stopped working; believed to be an electrical fault and require further investigation.

The original Motorola radio, which was fitted new, is also in place.

History and Paperwork

The history file dates back to the original order form and snagging list.

The Bentley’s history file dates back to 1960 and has copies of all the correspondence when the car was ordered, built, and inspected. There are some invoices for parts purchased and work carried out, but these are mainly in German, as we mentioned the car spent several years there.

It is the ultimate wafting automobile, and deservedly so. The finest British craftsmanship went into building this James Young Bentley S2, which is still going strong some 65 years later. A true testament to Bentley quality, which can now be yours to enjoy.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, sit back, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time – we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If you have any questions — no matter how small — please ask the seller in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win, just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
02.08.2017 MOT 39,508
08.07.2016 MOT 38,407
Key Details
  • ModelS2 Continental
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date1960
  • CC6025
  • Mileage~40,385 on the clock
  • ColourBurgandy
  • Interior ColourBlue
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #BC139AR
  • Engine #P1818
  • RestoredYes
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • UK Former Keepers4
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned10 Years
  • Key FeatureOriginal Features
  • Vehicle RegistrationDSJ 517
  • Driver’s SideRight
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeSaloon
  • Auction ID3004






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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9 Comments
Holfos
Holfos
1 year ago

Hi again , i see rear shocks done but any detail on the engine work, last owner. is there much history with the car? Best Charles

Holfos
Holfos
1 year ago

Hi, could you tell me what if any major mechanical work has been done to this car that you know of either previous to your ownership or during it. Simple summary will do.
Thanks Charles

Bidwell
Bidwell
1 year ago

We’ve not been able to call Trade Classics. Could you ask them to call me?

Bidwell
Bidwell
1 year ago

Thanks. I’m Tony and am away currently. My friend Tim who lives in Huntingdon will visit for me.
He will call Tradeclassics to give details.

Bidwell
Bidwell
1 year ago

Could I arrange a viewing Monday,, Tuesday?

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Vehicle Location

Huddersfield

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