The Bentley S2, which succeeded the first-generation S-Type, was hailed as one of the most luxurious and innovative saloons in the world at its launch in 1959. On this platform, Mulliner created the rarest version – the S2 Drophead Coupe, of which only 15 examples were built

The S2

A number of advanced features in the S2 were state-of-the-art for the time. The sleek saloon was the first Bentley to utilise a lightweight aluminium V8 engine, replacing a six-cylinder unit from the S1 that dated back to the 1920s. Power steering, electrically-operated ride control and fully automatic transmission were standard, while the boost in engine output ensured dramatically improved and more flexible air conditioning, the ultimate luxury in 1959.

The Bentley V8

In a post-war world, competition in the automotive industry was growing, with customers demanding more power, comfort and efficiency from their vehicles. Then Head of Engineering, Harry Grylls, tasked Lead Engine Designer, Jack Phillips, with building an engine which would fit under the current bonnet of the S-Type, but with a 50 percent increase in power and torque. Phillips responded by creating one of the most successful V8 engines in history. Fitted with a cross-plane crankshaft for smoothness, despite the extra cost, and machined from a silicon-aluminium alloy to reduce corrosion, despite being more difficult to machine, the new engine demonstrated Bentley’s commitment to delivering best-in-class motoring for its customers.

The ground-breaking L Series engine proved so successful that it became the longest-serving V8 in the world, with eventual derivatives (retaining the same capacity and bore spacing) powering Bentley’s Mulsanne flagship until the end of production in 2020

Mulliner’s “Drophead Coupe” and UFF 366

The ‘standard’ body for the S2 was designed by John Blatchley and built by Pressed Steel. Following in the tradition of Bentley’s body-on-frame construction, the S2 attracted the talents of coachbuilders H.J. Mulliner, who produced just 15 ‘Drophead Coupe’ bodies, including the example in Bentley’s Heritage Collection. UFF 366 was purchased from France 2022 in a poor state. A two-year restoration project started immediately, with the body returned to bare metal and a hand-of-drive conversion back to the original right-hand setup. She returned to the road in June 2024 resplendent in period-correct Ming Blue, with an interior in Fawn, before becoming Bentley’s first event entrant in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.