1960 Bentley Other

V8

LLBA 3

Clear

1960 Bentley S2 “The Chairman” Rare and Desirable Long Wheelbase Model Chassis No. LLBA 3 ~ Park Ward Design 902 Left-Hand Drive, V8 Engine and Air Conditioning, as delivered new Nice Driving, Solid Motorcar, in Dry Storage Over Thirty Years. The special long wheelbase Bentley S2 models were custom-order motorcars, and they were crafted on a special line at Rolls-Royce’s in-house coachbuilder, Park Ward, before their merger with H J Mulliner. Only 57 LWB models were made over the entire S2 production run, and only a portion of those were left-hand drive (an obvious advantage in most countries). This is the third car built, ordered directly through Inskip Rolls-Royce in New York City, December 9, 1959, by estimable businessman and philanthropist Mr. Arthur A. Houghton Jr. Copies of his original order sheet survive, and the car still retains most of its bespoke features. Dark green hides and piping (factory code VM3124), dark green carpets (100061AS) with a lighter matching headliner (2048), as ordered, are still with the car. With the exception of the front bench lower cushion, the original Connolly leather is all there, and the original carpets are underneath the replacement ones. Notable features chosen by Mr. Houghton were rear-compartment air conditioning (with separate blower fans operated for left and right sides), and a rather special folding “pocket” for files or books in place of the right-side folding table. When closed, this pocket is a perfect match for the standard left-side folding table. It’s a very nice custom touch, and we daresay more useful than the tea table. Still inside this file pocket is the special green leather trimmed vanity mirror, as specifically noted on the original order form. This car has no divider window feature. This is an important consideration for an owner/driver (as opposed to chauffeur-driven owner) in that the front seat loses a significant amount of legroom with a divider window behind, and it also negates the recliner adjustment for the seatback. Another nice detail is the “standard saloon type quarters” for the rear doors and roof panels: Most LWB models were fitted with a large extra window behind the rear doors, in which case one loses the charming light-up vanity mirrors, deeply recessed within elegant veneer frames set in each of the sail panels – A “de riguer” touch for many marque enthusiasts. Obviously now painted “wedding white”, the original order specified coachwork finished in a two-tone of medium sage gray/green (Valspar 173/15/49) upper body over a “smoke” green (Valspar 173/15746) lower body. The original finishes are underneath the repaint. In Storage since 1981 - This Bentley’s latest owner was an elderly gent. He purchased the car (by now painted white) in the 1970s and had it transported it from Texas to his home in Wyoming. We’re told that immediately after he moved to Minnesota in 1981, the car was carefully prepared for long-term storage: The fuel tank was drained and the cylinders fogged to prevent corrosion in the combustion chambers and on the rings. The was motor turned on occasion to prevent sticking and the car was kept dry. He never drove the car again, and it never turned a wheel until we rolled it into the sun in August 2013. After the owner’s passing, his prized Bentley became part of the estate he left for his heirs, and we are offering this car on auction at the family's request. On the Road Again! - The car has been cleaned-up and gotten running again. Before attempting to run and drive the car, we fitted a new battery, changed the oil and filter, cleaned and gapped the plugs. The coolant looked clean and green enough, and we left it alone (although, surely it is time to flush it!). We drained the transmission and torque converter, cleaned the transmission filter screen, and flushed the brake system with Castrol Rolls-Royce-formula RR363 mineral oil (as specified), and performed a few other basics. The twin Lucas fuel pumps click away contentedly, but will not draw fuel, so we assume they need new diaphragms. We fitted a single basic aftermarket fuel pump to feed the carburetors, and it works perfectly without any issues. The car started and ran with no drama – In fact, once thirty-two years of cobwebs were carefully blown out, we were (and still are) frankly amazed at the smoothness and lack of noise under the hood, even compared to other Bentley/Rolls cars we have driven. There is some V8 rumble coming from the rusted muffler and tailpipe, but this motor seems extremely healthy and strong. We didn’t even think about trying to adjust or fiddle with anything in the ignition or carburetion – It’s just runs too well right now to even consider it. (See youtube video links at bottom of this page). Driving the S2 for it’s maiden voyage in the new century certainly proved that it had been stored carefully and correctly, the only imperative issue being that the brake booster needs to be brought back to life (a common issue on these cars). The nearly unbreakable Rolls-Royce modified GM Hydramatic transmission engages crisply, shifts well, and does not slip. The U-joints do not feel sloppy and do not clunk. Steering is typically slow-geared and accurate (the famous Rolls-Royce built-in “sneeze factor”). The car tracks well, and there is no crashing to indicate play or wear in the steering or suspension. The rear leaf springs still have their leather gaitors. The four old tires are flat-spotted from age and storage – The flat spots might “drive out” with a few more miles, but there is no escaping the fact that the tires should be replaced before any real motoring is done, though they seem fine for limited use. With the exception of the horn, all of the primary controls work, including outside lighting, instruments panel lights, gauges, wipers, and blower motors (front & back). The AC compressor clutch kicks on at the command of the dashboard switch, and the boot-mounted system should blow cold with a recharge. Other than the work listed above, we have not done any mechanical work to this car, and it should not yet be considered “road ready”. More preparation is certainly in order before engaging in any regular use. The brakes, in particular, must be sorted. In summary, it starts and runs very sweetly: We saw no indications of any major issues, and it leaves the impression that many years of luxurious, reliable service are ahead with regular care and maintenance. Inside and Out - We can’t verify the mileage on the odometer, but 57,181 miles is entirely reasonable, judging by the overall condition of the entire machine, inside and out. All of the wood is in exceptionally good order, and with its original finish. Even the wood frame around the inside of the rear window, where it’s susceptible to damage by condensation, looks really beautiful. The leather is worn but supple and soft, and the cabin is still an exceptionally beautiful and comfortable place in which to drive and for passengers to sprawl. Aesthetically, the paint is pretty horrid. We’re being honest when we say it looks better in photos, and new paint should be near the top of the list for the next owner. The finish is poor in most areas, and is flaking in many spots. It is the one major disappointing factor letting down the car. Otherwise, the panel fit is excellent, there is no corrosion evident on the outer panels (both steel and aluminum), and imperfections to the metal are minor. Sill plates and door jams are clean and neat. Chrome is presentable in most company (not for Pebble Beach!). The grille shows some minor marks from incorrect polishing, and a couple of the hubcaps are weaker looking, but micro-pitting is not in evidence in the chrome. This original chrome is particularly excellent on the headlamp rings, “Flying B” hood ornament, and on most of the bumper surfaces – Indeed, most re-plating jobs would not have a finish this good. The Triplex Sundym windshield, and all of the glass, is excellent, save for a very light wiper mark that will polish out. This car does NOT give us the impression that it has ever been used commercially as a wedding car or for-hire limo. A quality paint job (we humbly suggest the beautiful original gray/green two-tone), re-dying the leather, and correct wool carpets will transform this car into a very, very beautiful machine. Any other appearance improvement would be minor detailing. Underneath, the car is very solid. There is some corrosion in the moisture traps but it does not look serious. As mentioned earlier, the exhaust is rusted towards the muffler and tailpipe. The sills and valance panels are solid, and the massive frame is straight and looks like it could support a locomotive. This car spent much of its life in Texas and Wyoming, and those are nice dry states with conditions that do not promote rust. We have many photos of the underside, and every other feature of the car, on the link at the bottom of this page. “The Chairman” - The gentleman who originally ordered this beautiful motorcar, Mr. Arthur A. Houghton Jr., was an extremely interesting and accomplished man. A few of his life’s many highlights: He was included on Fortune Magazine’s first list of the seventy-six wealthiest Americans, in 1957, along with myriad Astors, du Ponts, Rockefellers and other glitterati. Born into old money (Corning Glass Works), Mr. Houghton nevertheless retained a deep and personal first-hand involvement with the family businesses. He was also an important and well known benefactor of the arts and culture in New York, and was instrumental in the creation of Lincoln Center. At the time his Bentley was being built to his specifications, Mr. Houghton was chairman of the New York Philharmonic Symphony Society. Years later, he served as chairman of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And thus we have begun to affectionately refer to this car as “The Chairman”. Good Luck in Bidding! Please ask any questions first. We will answer quickly and honestly. Personal inspections are welcome and encouraged! We are more and more impressed with this car as we spend time with it and become more involved with it. We are confident that the next owner will feel the same, and that there will be NO DISAPPOINTMENTS after purchase. Thanks for Looking. We are starting the bidding at an exceptionally low price, with NO RESERVE /// HIGH BID BUYS THIS CAR NEXT WEEK! The Fine Print: GOOD LUCK! Please bid to the value this car may hold for you. Please feel free to ask questions or add comments. Please ask questions BEFORE you bid. We will respond quickly and honestly. This car is located in Plymouth, Minnesota 55441, about ten minutes from downtown Minneapolis, and about thirty minutes from the airport. Inspections are invited and encouraged! CONDITIONS: Winning this auction constitutes a legal and binding agreement between the Buyer, the Owner and the Selling Agents. Please bid sincerely and sensibly. Zero-feedback bidders must contact us first before bidding to establish some level of seriousness-of-intent; It's nothing personal, just business: We, and many others, have been stung on eBay Motors by too many dead-beat auction winners. Vehicle is sold "As-Is and Where-Is". If the Buyer comes to pick up this car and is in any way dissatisfied, he or she will have the Option of walking away from the Deal with Full Refund of the Deposit and any Payments made to the Owner. Otherwise, no warranty is expressed, implied or offered. Neither the Owner nor the Selling Agents can or will take any responsibility for this car after it leaves the premises. PAYMENT: Buyer must make a $200 DEPOSIT by PayPal within 24 hours of the Auction Close. The Deposit will secure the Deal for all Parties involved. Failure to make Deposit within 24 hours will risk Cancellation of the Sale at Discretion of the Owner and Sellers. BALANCE MUST BE PAID within 7 BUSINESS DAYS of sale by SECURE PAYMENT or CASH at PICK-UP. TRANSPORT: Buyer is responsible for all transportation arrangements and costs. Car is garaged in Minneapolis, Minnesota 55410. We do not offer quotes on shipping. There are many vendors to choose from offering vehicle transport: DAS, and FedEx/Passport are two great places to start getting bids. We also use an independent hauler, whom we can recommend to the Buyer. STORAGE: While the Auction Winner sorts out pick-up or transport arrangements, Owner can offer, free of charge, dry indoor storage for up to 30 days after auction termination. Longer periods can be arranged at cost if necessary. Seller cannot accept any liability during this storage period. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank You for Looking! We are fluent in classic European cars. We are hobbyists, first and foremost, and happy to hear from you on the subject of cars or bikes. In addition to AUTOMOBILIA and PARTS, WE HAVE SOLD OVER FIFTY VEHICLES ON eBAY...EACH DEAL A HAPPY ONE FOR ALL INVOLVED! >>MM1000auto>> was created to auction the THINGS WE LOVE MOST: CARS, PARTS, and AUTOMOBILIA! See and hear it run on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGvKtDr5pDI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZTMJDHu9dg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkBXUnUt22A OVER 150 pictures available at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8ftm6orjwi9enc1/jcdRp9LLLY?n=61955535 On Oct-28-13 at 16:37:32 PDT, seller added the following information: ATTENTION BIDDERS & WATCHERS! With the first bids having rolled in, eBay will not allow us to alter the text (fair enough!). But they WILL allow this addendum: It's come to my attention that I made a mistake when I stated that the original carpets are beneath the replacements -- That is ONLY true on the bottoms of the door panels, not on the floors. Sorry for the error, and we hope it does not cause any confusion. Sincerely // Jim Kowalski >>MM1000auto>>On Oct-29-13 at 08:00:15 PDT, seller added the following information: ATTENTION BIDDERS & WATCHERS! It's been pointed out by a helpful eBayer that the Castrol RR363 brake fluid we used is NOT mineral oil as we stated. That was my slip, and I'm happy to correct it. The special DOT 3-4 formula is perfectly suited for use in this car, though. RR363 is a formula commissioned from Castrol by Roll-Royce and specifically made to the particular technical requirements of these cars. You can see and read the label quite clearly on picture #33 in the photo collection on the link if you are interested. Sincerely // Jim Kowalski>>MM1000auto>>