1961 Bentley S II/III, 6230cc. Registration number 556 XVM, ...

Estimate

£9,000 - £12,000

1961 Bentley S II/III, 6230cc. Registration number 556 XVM, )non transferrable). Chassis number B41 DV, Works number B3936. Engine number 20 DB.
Sold with the V5C, copy of the Bentley works sheet, key, receipt for engine rebuild.
The Bentley S2 (1959-1962) was a landmark luxury car that replaced the Bentley S1 and introduced the brand's first all aluminium V8 engine. This 6.2 Litre 'L Series' power unit transformed the Bentley from a traditional saloon into a grand tour, capable of silent high speed travel. Only 2308 units were produced. The 6230cc V8 engine delivered approximately 200 brake horsepower. Coupled with the smooth GM Hydra-Matic 4-speed gearbox, a top speed of 113 MPH was possible.
Standard features included power steering, air-conditioning and a redesigned dashboard.
B.41.DV was ordered by J. Sainsbury Esq of 45 Viceroy Lodge, Hove (An impressive Art Deco apartment block overlooking Hove sea front) from Moore of Brighton Ltd. It was delivered on the 9th of May 1961, in Burgundy with a Beige interior, for £4,195 plus £65 for electric windows and £5.15 for parking lights to the central pillars.
Its subsequent history is for the next owner to explore, but by 1987 it was in Pennsylvania, USA with James Kelly.
At some point it was repainted whilst over there to the current white (photographs from 2018 on file) with a front end steel body upgrade to the S3.
In 2020 our vendor discovered it and had it repatriated. He has had the engine fully rebuilt due a piston failure and used it sparingly since. The headlining became detached during a house move and now needs replacing with new one. It is now surplus to requirements since he purchased a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow I from these rooms.