1959 Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupé

In 1959 Bentley upgraded their flagship chassis to the 6¾-liter V8 including the S2 Continental which was intended as a driver’s car for more sporting coachwork.

For the most part the Continental line was limited to coupes and cabriolets with one exception being the four-door Flying Spur. These included the James Young Sports Saloon, H.J. Mulliner Coupé, H.J. Mulliner Flying Spur and Park Ward Drophead Coupé.

The open Drophead Coupé by Park Ward was distinct on the S2 line. It was designed by Vilhelm Koren of Norway for Park Ward with a straight fender line and more outwardly positioned front headlights.

125 of the 388 S2 Continentals were built with this Drophead Coupé design.

typeSeries Production Car
production years1959 – 1962
built atEngland
body stylistVilhelm Koren
coachbuilderPark Ward
production125
engineV8
positionFront, Longitudinal
aspirationNatural
block materialAluminum Alloy
fuel feed2 Carburetors
displacement6230 cc / 380.18 in³
bore104.14 mm / 4.1 in
stroke91.44 mm / 3.6 in
compression8.0:1
body / frameBody over Steel Ladder-Type Chassis
front tires8.00 x 15
rear tires8.00 x 15
front brakesDrums
rear brakesDrums
f suspensionIndependant w/Coil Springs
r suspensionLive Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
wheelbase3124 mm / 123 in
transmission4-Speed Automatic