Heading to auction at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford on the 13th of March is a unique 1960 Bentley S2 Continental, once owned by British comedy legend Peter Sellers. 

Offered for sale by H&H Classics, the Bentley spent nearly five years in the possession of Sellers from November 1961 to July 1966 where it was maintained by Jack Barclay Ltd, who added two further headlights to the front of the car among a series of modifications.

“Sellers was a man who changed his cars so often, his fellow star of The Goon Show, Spike Milligan, referred to them as ‘metal underwear’, so to have retained this Bentley for so long, shows how much he cherished it,” remarked Damian Jones, senior motorcar specialist, H&H Classics.

“Yet to undergo a major restoration and still retaining much originality including its original upholstery, the car is now in need of recommissioning or restoration. However, given the car’s history and the list of 1960s celebrities who may have accompanied Sellers on journeys in the car, we expect there to be significant interest in the vehicle,” he added.

This particular Bentley was one of the most expensive cars available at the time, costing more than a Ferrari 250GT Pininfarina Berlinetta and a Jaguar Mk2 3.8 litre saloon combined. It was rare too and was one of only 60 right-hand drive S2 Continental chassis to be made as a Drophead Coupe by Park Ward.

Included with the car are an extensive history file and collection of memorabilia such as a signed photo of Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau, an original movie poster and many examples of original press cuttings about Sellers in his various acting roles.

The 1960 Bentley is expected to fetch between £120,000 - £150,000 at auction.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: H&H Classics Ltd