When introduced in 1959, the S2 Continental represented the ultimate in British motoring – the latest ultra-exclusive, high-performance model from Bentley. Befitting its elite nature, the S2 Continental was available in an array of body styles from England’s premier coachbuilders. H.J. Mulliner maintained its reputation as the coachbuilder of choice for those desiring the most sporting Continental. In fact, many aficionados consider Mulliner’s Two-Door Saloon (design no. 7514) the most attractive body style ever fitted to the chassis. Of the 388 S2 Continentals built, fewer than 100 were supplied with this elegant coachwork – the vast majority of which were specified in right-hand drive.

The S2 Continental presented here is among the most rare and sought-after of all postwar Bentleys – one of just 26 left-hand-drive examples built. Constructed from lightweight aluminum at the coachbuilder’s West London works, this top-of-the-line Bentley was custom-tailored for its original owner, Count Paolo Orsi Mangelli.

Born into nobility in 1880, Count Orsi Mangelli was an influential member of Italian society. A successful entrepreneur, he established a business empire with interests in agriculture, textiles, and tobacco. He was also one of the country’s most important horse breeders, known as “the father of the Italian trot.”

Completed in October 1961, chassis BC43LCZ was delivered new to Italian Rolls-Royce agent Fernando Martorelli & Figli. According to accompanying factory records, the Bentley was finished in Sand over green Connolly leather and specified “for use in Italy,” with metric instruments, high-frequency horns, and Dunlop whitewall tires. Other notable features included electric windows, Tudor-type sun visors, custom cabinetwork, and lightweight front seats.

The Bentley remained in Italy until the late 1970s, when Jack Bellin bought it and shipped it to his home in Hawaii. In 1996, Lorna Marsh of Illinois acquired the Continental and commissioned a high-quality cosmetic restoration in the current pewter over green color scheme. The next owner, Peter Charles Lambert of Muir Beach, California, successfully campaigned the Bentley in the Marin Sonoma, Hillsborough, and Palo Alto Concours d’Elegance. Most recently, the Continental was owned by Kurt Furger of Colorado, a member of the Bentley Drivers Club. Today, BC43LCZ remains in lovely condition and is accompanied by an impressive file containing copies of factory build records, ownership documents, and service receipts.

A postwar Bentley of distinction, this left-hand-drive Mulliner Two-Door Saloon needs only a new caretaker to continue in its grand manner and unsurpassed style.