178 hp, 6,230 cc OHV V-8 engine, twin SU carburettors, four-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs and wishbones, semi-elliptic rear springs with electrically controlled shock absorbers, power-assisted front and rear drum brakes, and hydraulic front and hydro-mechanical rear.

Wheelbase: 123 in.

• Company car for Sir Denning Pearson, Executive Master, Rolls-Royce, Ltd.

• Four owners from new with complete documented history • 59,000 original miles with recent cosmetic and mechanical freshening • One of only 71 right-hand drive S2 coupés bodied by H.J.

Mulliner; fitted with factory air conditioning, power windows, and antenna After the war, Rolls-Royce and Bentley needed to satisfy their customers’ demand for high-quality motor cars post-haste.

The early post-war cars needed to be produced quickly, so they were mostly based on late-1930s specifications.

The results were practical but not especially exciting to see or to drive.

When the R-Type ...