This is an incredibly rare motorcar. A Bentley S2 long wheelbase with limousine division window. This is a motorcar that has been with the same Southern California RROC and BDC owner since 1983. The first owner was the formidable Sir William Carr, Chairman of the News of the World in London. This Bentley has traveled a mere 67,000 miles since new and is now ready for its new owner.

This Bentley is one of 25 long wheelbase cars made for the many years of the S2 series. It was the fifth made in the production. Sir William Carr enjoyed the car for many years and later sold it to a Canadian employee of the News of the World.

It was bought in 1979 by Michael Stehney in Laguna Hills, CA in 1979. Mr. Stehney and his father stripped the Bentley of its two tone green paint and painted the motorcar its present white livery. The Bentley had accumulated about 30,000 miles.

By 1983 Mr. Stehney had sold the Bentley to its last owner, Darwyn Lumley, in 1983 in Southern California. By 1987 the Bentley had accumulated 39,000 miles and today it has a total of 67,000 miles. Dawryn enjoyed the car on BDC and RROC events throughout Southern California from 1983 until 2013.

This remarkably untouched and original S2 LWB Saloon is finished in a very attractive white livery (older repaint), complemented by very good brightwork. The original exterior paint was a deep Mulberry. Although the car is stunning as is, we would love to see the new owner repaint the limousine in its original color of Mulberry. The handsome exterior is also complemented by front and rear bumper guards, driving lights and correct Bentley wheelcovers.

Having been in California for several decades, this Bentley is very solid and has zero to minimal rust (there is one small bubble in the paint on a door that may be paint or a very small area of rust). The original leather rear leaf spring “gators” are still installed and in relatively nice condition. This is a very clear indicator that this Bentley was not driven often in poor weather.

As expected, the luxurious interior is presented in beautiful overall condition, trimmed with the original green Connolly leather upholstery that displays a lovely overall patina, along with the elegant walnut woodwork. The wood is gorgeous, especially for the rear passengers that can enjoy the extra wood added for the division window.

The leather has no splits and conveys that the car has been well loved and cared for. We think the interior is stunning as it is and no additional restoration is needed, accept perhaps re-dying some of the front seat area and arm rests. It appears there was either a replacement or poor re-dye in the past and the color is a bit off. This is easily corrected. Overall the interior has been well preserved since new.

Otherwise original, the Bentley benefits from the recent maintenance of the carburetor, braking system and steering box (we had the maintenance performed by Roger Ford, the last RR factory trained engineer in the US). The transmission was also rebuilt this year and shifts beautifully. Having been thoroughly reviewed by Roger Ford, the following is the mechanical status: All gauges are operating well, the motor and transmission mounts are in good shape, the car runs very cool and performs well, the oil pressure is good, the heaters aren’t working and heater and radiator hoses need replacement. For touring we would recommend a major service, to include the waterpump (it works fine but there is a little seeping) and other items within the scope of a major service. The Bentley is complete with the large tools but not the small hand tools.

Introduced at the 1959 London Motor Show, the Bentley S2 featured an all-alloy 200-horsepower V8 engine, and weighed the same as the six-cylinder S1 model it replaced. The S2’s driving manners were also much improved with the addition of a four-speed GM Hydra-Matic transmission, upgraded power-assisted brakes, and power steering.

The robust 200-horsepower V8 engine also appears to be largely original and unrestored, remaining period correct in its presentation. While not in show condition, the entire engine bay is generally presented in fine and original condition.

Many consider the S2 and S3 models to be among the most attractive and desirable post-war Bentleys built. The wonderful long wheelbase with division example on offer benefits from Bentley prestige, long-term ownership history, and will surely anchor any collection of elegant automobiles.

This Bentley is being offered at a fair value. According to the Hagerty value guide, in number one condition these are worth $78,000 and in “average” No 3 condition they are worth over $40,000. See the details here: http://www.hagerty.com/valuationtools/HVT/VehicleSearch/Report?vc=1343572

For more details please call Harry Clark at 602.245.7200 or email us at harry@classicpromenade.com.