A Century of Innovation: the Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur

Bentley’s centenary celebrations continue in 2019 with the anniversary of another landmark model in the company’s history.

The S2 Continental Flying Spur was launched 60 years ago to great acclaim and is a timely reminder of the luxury British car maker’s ongoing quest to extend the limits of innovation.

The elegant S2 featured an all-new aluminium V8 that afforded a significant boost in power. The increased output from the L Series 6.2-litre engine dramatically enhanced performance, while other exclusive features available in the 1959 car included electrically-operated ride control, electric rear window demisters and press button window lifts.

S2 Continental Flying Spur – Innovation & Elegance

The new Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur was hailed as one of the most luxurious and innovative saloons in the world at its launch in 1959.

A number of advanced features in the S2 were state-of-the-art for the time. The sleek saloon, handcrafted by coachbuilders H.J. Mulliner, utilised a lightweight aluminium V8 engine, replacing a six-cylinder unit from the S1 that dated back to the 1920s.

The ground-breaking L Series engine proved so successful it was later used in the Bentley Arnage and Brooklands models. A highly modified version is still fitted in the Bentley Mulsanne today.

Innovative Luxury Personified

The all-new V8 engine installed in the Continental S2 Flying Spur made Bentley’s luxurious saloon even smoother to drive. The muscular unit transformed the British-built car into the ultimate Grand Tourer.

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 S2 Flying Spur was so advanced it featured electric rear window demisters and press button window lifts. A new dashboard and steering wheel design added to the exclusivity. In all, more than 1,900 S2 cars were hand-built between 1959 and 1962.

The Continental Flying Spur was launched in 2005, heralding a new era of luxurious, high performance models to the Bentley stable. It was the fastest four-seat car in the world at the time. Now, as Bentley celebrates its centenary in 2019, the Flying Spur remains very much a part of the company’s future plans.

Bentley’s Centenary Year

July 10, 2019 marks Bentley’s 100th year – an extraordinary milestone achieved by only a few companies. To celebrate the occasion, a year-long series of special activities has been planned, with celebrations at events around the world.

Like the anniversary of the S2 Continental Flying Spur, they will showcase Bentley’s motoring evolution over the last 100 years, highlighting its global success today and the exciting future of innovation ahead.