Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The Bentley S2 represents the closing chapter of Old World motoring, a stately V8 flagship from the era of separate chassis and coachbuilt elegance. This 1961 example is a rare long-wheelbase limousine, one of a reported 57, with a Webasto sunroof, a comprehensive recent mechanical overhaul, and provenance back to its first owner. It is on Bring a Trailer at $2,000 with five days to go, so the bidding is very early.1961 Bentley S2 Long WheelbaseBring a TrailerWhat it's worth right nowThe S2 remains one of the more attainable ways into a classic V8 Bentley, with values reflecting condition and provenance. According to the Hagerty valuation guide, average driver-quality examples trade above $40,000 and concours cars reach around $78,000, with the long-wheelbase limousine's rarity adding appeal, though the standard saloons often draw a broader audience.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis car's rare configuration, extensive mechanical work, and documentation support a solid figure, while the notes below temper it. At $2,000 with five days remaining, the bidding is very early and should climb well into the tens of thousands.1961 Bentley S2 Long WheelbaseBring a TrailerCondition and detailsThe car's greatest strength is its freshly sorted mechanicals. Finished in brown with a Webasto sunroof, it is a right-hand-drive, long-wheelbase example running the 6.2-liter aluminum V8 with twin SU carburetors through a four-speed automatic.1961 Bentley S2 Long WheelbaseBring a TrailerThe expensive work is done: a 2023 engine rebuild covering pistons, rings, bearings, lifters, and gaskets, a 2023 transmission overhaul, a 2021 rear-end service, rebuilt carburetors and distributor, a rebuilt water pump and generator, a repaired radiator, and serviced brakes and power steering, plus an aftermarket air conditioning system installed in the factory location. It retains its Factory Record and was originally delivered to Sir Paul Bowman, 5th Baronet.1961 Bentley S2 Long WheelbaseBring a TrailerSeveral points deserve attention. It was repainted brown from its factory Steel Blue under prior ownership, and rather than repaint at an estimated $25,000 to $30,000, the seller wrapped the upper bodywork so the budget could go into mechanicals; the wrap is removable, so inspect the underlying paint. As a right-hand-drive car with an incomplete import history, it warrants care, since specialists caution on right-hand-drive examples without fully documented provenance.1961 Bentley S2 Long WheelbaseBring a TrailerAdvertisementAdvertisementThe five-digit odometer shows 48,000 miles and the clock does not work, so treat the mileage as shown. The A/C needs a refrigerant top-off and may have a small leak, the hood latch needs adjustment, and the interior brightwork has been gold-plated at some point.1961 Bentley S2 Long WheelbaseBring a TrailerThe offerSpecificationDetailMakeBentleyModelS2 Long WheelbaseYear1961Mileage48,000 miles shownEngine6.2-liter V8 with twin SU carburetorsPowerNot specified by the sellerTransmission4-speed automaticDrive typeRear wheel driveExterior colorBrownInterior colorBeigeCurrent bid$2,000, with five days leftInterested in this 1961 Bentley S2 Long Wheelbase? View the listing here.What makes the S2 uniqueThe S2 marked a pivotal moment for Bentley, arriving in 1959 as the first of the S-series to receive the new aluminum 6.2-liter V8, an engine so refined that Rolls-Royce and Bentley famously declined to quote its output, describing it only as "adequate." It was among the last flagship Bentleys built on a separate, heavy chassis before the industry moved to unibody construction, and it carried the full weight of the marque's coachbuilding tradition, with hand-finished wood, leather, and deep carpet throughout. The long-wheelbase version, of which only a reported 57 were built, added a power division and limousine appointments, making it a car designed to carry the world's wealthiest in supreme comfort.1961 Bentley S2 Long WheelbaseBring a TrailerThat combination of stately presence, hand-built craftsmanship, and genuine rarity is what makes an S2 long-wheelbase so special. These are cars from a vanished era of motoring, and with the desirable Webasto sunroof and full limousine features, this one is among the most characterful expressions of it, a rolling drawing room that turns heads wherever it goes.My takeI have real affection for this one, because it addresses the thing that sinks so many classic Bentleys: the mechanicals. An S2 that needs an engine, transmission, and rear-end rebuild can bankrupt an optimistic buyer, and this car has all of that freshly done and documented, which makes it a genuine driver rather than a project. The provenance to Sir Paul Bowman and the retained Factory Record add real character, and the seller's decision to invest in running gear over paint is a defensible one.AdvertisementAdvertisementFair value sits in the $45,000 to $75,000 range, most likely around $55,000 to $65,000, reflecting the rarity, the comprehensive mechanical work, and the documentation against the right-hand-drive layout, the body wrap, and the history gap. Before bidding, get a Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist inspection with a focus on rust and the provenance, budget for the A/C and cosmetics, and decide whether right-hand drive suits you. Handle that, and you own a rare, freshly sorted piece of Old World motoring.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.