The Bentley S2 Continental was introduced in July of 1959 and proudly displayed at the London Motor Show two months later.

It was outwardly indistinguishable from the S1 aside a very slightly shorter radiator, and minor changes to the front flasher and sidelight assemblies, and the bumper over-riders.

The key upgrade lay under the lengthy, centrally hinged bonnet, where a new all-alloy OHV V8 engine of 6,230cc sat in place of the former six-cylinder unit.

It had been developed over five years and, despite the significant increase in cubic capacity, was no heavier than the cast iron unit it replaced.

As usual, the manufacturer declined to quote output figures, but suffice to say that performance was markedly improved, and the newcomer could waft its cosseted occupants to 60mph in around 10.9 seconds and on to a terminal speed in excess of 110mph.

Gone was the one-shot lubrication system that had been part of every Bentley's specification since 1933 - in its place were 21 grease nip...