Bentley’s magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction on the R-Type chassis in 1952.

With the arrival of the final (S-Type) generation of six-cylinder cars in 1955, the Continental lost a little of its individuality but none of its exclusivity, and this trend continued after the arrival of the V8-engined S2 in 1959.

Although the S2 appeared externally unchanged, its performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc V8 engine.

Power-assisted steering was now standard and there was no longer the option of a manual gearbox, Rolls-Royce’s own four-speed automatic being the sole offering.

The Bentley Continental was, of course, exclusively a coachbuilt automobile.

The firms of H J Mulliner, Park Ward and James Young all offered bodies on the Continental S2 chassis, which differed from the standard version by virtue of its four-leading-shoe front brakes, shorter radiator and, up to chassi...