The Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur turns 60 this
year, and the British luxury automaker wants to celebrate the occasion. At its launch in 1959, the S2
Flying Spur was one of the most luxurious and innovative saloons in the world.
It was handcrafted by coachbuilders H.J. Mulliner and, instead of the old
six-cylinder unit from the S1, it featured a newer, lighter aluminum 6.2-liter
V8 – a highly modified version of which is still fitted to the Mulsanne today.
Apart from its new V8, the S2 Flying Spur also came
with power steering, electrically-operated ride control and a fully automatic
transmission. Meanwhile, the extra power provided by the V8 “dramatically
improved” the performance of the air conditioning system, which in 1959 was
considered to be the ultimate luxury.
The S2 also came with electric rear window demisters
and push-button window lifts, as well as a new dashboard and steering wheel
design. Between 1959 and 1962, Bentley hand-built over 1,900 units. Its spiritual successor, the
modern-day Continental Flying Spur, was launched in 2005, when it became the
world’s fastest four-seater thanks to its 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12
engine tuned to produce 560 PS and 650 Nm of torque. In
2008, the ‘Speed’ version was introduced, boasting 610 PS and 750 Nm of torque.
July 10 marks the company’s 100th anniversary, so
Bentley is planning additional celebratory events this year.
