1960 Bentley S2 Continental Sports Saloon by James Young

Highlights

Gorgeous dark green over burgundy colour scheme
Magnificent condition across interior and exterior
Very rare James Young-bodied Sports Saloon
Highly maintained by P&A Wood & A&S Engineering
Reliable car regularly campaigned on high end rallies
Vast history file contained in four box files
Only six registered keepers in 64 years

The Appeal

The elegantly named and styled Bentley S2 Continental Sports Saloon by James Young is the culmination of a very particular type of automobile. After it, coachbuilding would be in serious decline. But those craftsmen pulled out all the stops for these mesmerising cars.

This gorgeous 1960 S2 is one of only 40 or so four door cars converted by James Young using the S2 chassis and powered by Bentley’s 6.2L V8. As the name implies, these were the greatest continental ‘grand tourers’ of their time and this one has been enjoyed for exactly the purpose it was built. It has participated in various high end European rallies, which prove its condition and reliability.

First owned by the Keith Prowse music agency, this car is beautifully finished in dark green over burgundy leather. The restored condition is quite remarkable, flush panel fit, bright chrome and high quality woods and leathers all indicating the care of its six keepers over 64 years. That attention is clear from the vast collection of history, contained in four bulging box files. Much of the maintenance has been undertaken by reassuring names like P&A Wood and A&S Engineering.

This is a rare and very desirable Bentley. But it is also a practical and usable one, a car that would grace any garage collection and be a treat for long road trips and rallies.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 27th May 1960
First owned by Keith Prowse music agency until 1976
Chassis number BC78AR
Four boxes of history with highlights shown in photographs
Service history maintained by P&A Wood and A&S Engineering
Well campaigned on high-end classic car tours with photographic records
Photographic record of restoration
Six registered keepers
Current long-term keeper since November 2007
Believed to be one of only 40 James Young S2 four-door cars
1 key set
Factory handbook
Laminated history sheet
Historic Vehicle that is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Usefully regularly MOT’d through current keeper’s ownership
This shows regular use and very few MOT advisories over time
Last MOT expired 26th January 2022 with no advisories
Last test shows 96,146 miles and now on 96,559 miles

The Condition

Restored car in handsome dark green/petrol blue with very good condition
Bodywork presents to a high standard with few signs of age or use
Underside is very good with clearly well-maintained undersealing
Chromework in good order with bright finish throughout
Front badge bar hints at this car’s illustrious event history
Beautiful factory interior with burgundy leather displaying the lightest signs of use
Cabin veneers and fittings including lambswool beige rugs in very good order
There are some light signs of age to note in photographs but nothing unsightly
High specification car with electric windows, rear tables and ‘self-cleaning’ ashtrays
Original radio with modern Alpine head unit and CD changer discreetly installed

Few cars really deserve the accolade ‘magnificent’ but there really is no other word for this James Young saloon. You sense the care and attention wrought by the designer and the craftsmen tasked with delivering the paper vision. The flowing lines and delicate six-light side profile draw the eye but it is the detailing, expressed in chrome and curves, that really impresses.

The attractive dark green finish if this car adds to the appeal. It is a beguiling shade that can look ‘petrol blue’ in certain lights. This car is an older restoration that has been used and enjoyed, but you would struggle to know that looking at the very well presented paintwork and bodywork. The only real hint is the badge bar with its array of event and Club decals.

Inside the theme continues with a sumptuous burgundy leather cabin with liberal use of wood veneers. The car has been retrimmed to a very high standard, with clear attention paid to factory specification. The signs of use are very light, such light bolster wear and creasing of the front seats, neither of which detract and are a sign that this car has been enjoyed. There is a period radio fitted but a modern Alpine unit and CD changer are also discreetly present.

The Mechanics

The S2 features Bentley’s new 6,230cc V8 engine
3spd automatic gearbox with column shift
Complete factory tool kit and fire extinguisher
Reported to drive very well
Vast history file of work by specialists as detailed above

With its powerful V8 engine, this car was built to be driven. In the hands of its current long term keeper, it certainly has. He has used it as intended, participating in various high-end touring and rally events for which there is an entertaining photographic record.

That regular use means the car runs very well, is proven to be reliable and has been maintained correctly. That work is recorded in a vast history file contained over four big box files. Most of the work has been undertaken by names such as P&A Wood and A&S Engineering.

The MOT record confirms the regular use and level of maintenance, showing only a handful of very minor advisories over 20 years. The video of this car under power confirms a near-silent engine and commanding road presence.

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