A 1960 Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupé owned by Peter Sellers is coming to auction just as the centenary of the actor’s birth is marked.
With coachwork by Park Ward, the Bentley was bought by Sellers in 1961 and he kept it until 1965, which was an unusually long period of ownership for a car enthusiast known to change his vehicles frequently.
The Bentley was originally ordered by and delivered to LE Lawrie Esq of Worthing, East Sussex, who specified the car in its Sand colour with beige leather upholstery. Lawrie also opted for a power hood, electric windows, and radial tyres.
When Sellers took the car on in November 1961, it had covered 8000 miles and the actor had the car updated with the twin headlamp style, which was done before the S3 Continental adopted this feature.
Sellers used the car regularly and it was with him on set at Beaconsfield and Shepperton for the 1963 film The Wrong of the Law. In the film, Sellers drive another of his own cars, an Aston Martin DB4 GT.
Bentley dealer Jack Barclay carried out a number of warranty claims on behalf of Sellers, as well as modifying the sun visor at the comedian’s request. This change is still present on the car now, which remains in unrestored and running condition.
Latterly, the car has been part of the world’s largest collection of Koren-styled Bentley S3 Continentals and Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III models. It requires some recommissioning and restoration.
As well as the extensive history file that goes with the S2 Continental DHC, the sale also includes some Peter Sellers memorabilia. This comprises a mounted and signed photo of Sellers as Inspector Clouseau, an original 1963 poster for The Wrong Arm of the Law, Best of the Goons Show Volume 2 LP record, a 1967 ABC Film Review magazine with on Sellers in The Bobo, and a quantity of original press cuttings.
The Bentley will be sold by Bonhams|Cars at its Goodwood Revival auction on Saturday 13 September.
Images courtesy of Bonhams|Cars
