Two coachbuilt classics will take centre stage – and be judged for the first time – as Salon Privé opens its Concours to manufacturers
For the first time in its history, Salon Privé — the UK’s most prestigious automotive garden party – is inviting manufacturers to enter the 2025 Concours judging arena. And fittingly, Bentley Motors is seizing the opportunity to mark the occasion with two of the most iconic, coachbuilt classics from its Heritage Collection.
When the event returns to Blenheim Palace from 27 to 31 August 2025 to celebrate its Emerald Anniversary, Bentley will present a rare and refined pairing: the 1953 R Type Continental and the 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe. Both will be officially judged during the Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients on 27 and 28 August, marking a major first for the two cars — and for the marque.
A tale of two Bentleys
In a move that celebrates both craftsmanship and engineering heritage, Bentley has chosen two Mulliner-bodied rarities for this milestone moment.
1953 R Type Continental – JAS 949
With just 208 ever produced, the R Type Continental remains one of Bentley’s most influential designs. Often described as the spiritual forebear to today’s Continental GT, the model set a new standard in post-war grand touring. Powered by a tuned 4.6-litre inline-six engine and constructed with lightweight aluminium coachwork from H.J. Mulliner, it was capable of speeds up to 120mph — an astonishing feat in the early 1950s.
The particular model on display, chassis BC16C, was first delivered to a Swiss doctor in 1953 in Ivory with a red leather interior — a specification it retains today. Since joining the Bentley Heritage Collection in 2001, JAS 949 has been meticulously maintained, with its original engine and elegant patina preserved.
Sidebar: The R Type Continental – The Original Grand Tourer
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Inspired by Innovation
Drawing on the aerodynamic lessons of pre-war one-offs like the ‘Embiricos’ Bentley and Corniche, Bentley’s Ivan Evernden and stylist John Blatchley reimagined the R Type saloon as a sleek, high-speed coupé. The result? A grand tourer like no other.
Prototype Performance
Nicknamed Olga, the prototype (OLG 490) hit an average of 118.75 mph over five laps at the Montlhèry circuit in France — proving both its pace and poise.
Engineering Brilliance
- Engine: 4,566cc straight-six, uprated from 140 to 153 bhp
- Transmission: Higher final drive ratio for effortless cruising
- Weight-saving: Extensive use of aluminium for body, frames, and bumpers
- Tyres: Special Dunlop track tyres to handle speeds above 115mph
Limited Production, Lasting Legacy
Just 208 R Type Continentals were produced between 1952 and 1955, with 193 bodied by HJ Mulliner. Its blend of luxury and performance laid the blueprint for every Continental GT to follow.
1961 S2 Drophead Coupe – UFF 366
Even more exclusive than the R Type is the S2 Drophead Coupe. Of the 1,920 S2s produced, only 15 were finished by Mulliner as Drophead Coupes. This rare open-top grand tourer brought cutting-edge technology to the forefront, including Bentley’s first V8 engine, automatic transmission, and air conditioning.
The featured car, UFF 366, underwent a painstaking two-year restoration after being acquired from France in 2022. Now resplendent in period-correct Ming Blue with a Fawn interior, the car returned to the road in 2024, making its first appearance at Pebble Beach—though not judged. Its Salon Privé debut will be its first time in competition.
Sidebar: The S2 Drophead Coupe – The Rare Convertible with a V8 Heart
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Coachbuilt Elegance
Built on the platform of the second-generation S-Type, the S2 Drophead Coupe was crafted by HJ Mulliner with only 15 examples ever made — making it one of the rarest Bentleys of the post-war era.
A New Era of Power
The S2 marked a turning point for Bentley, debuting the brand’s first all-aluminium 6.2-litre V8 engine — a power unit so successful it evolved into the world’s longest-serving V8, remaining in production until 2020.
Technical Highlights
- Engine: Lightweight alloy V8 with 50% more power and torque than the S1
- Transmission: Fully automatic, with power steering as standard
- Comfort: Upgraded air conditioning for peak luxury in 1959
- Chassis: Retained Bentley’s traditional body-on-frame construction
From Pebble Beach to Blenheim
UFF 366, Bentley’s own restored S2 Drophead Coupe, was sourced in France and underwent a two-year, bare-metal restoration. Returned to right-hand drive and finished in period-correct Ming Blue with a Fawn interior, it debuted at Pebble Beach in 2024 — now ready for its first judged appearance at Salon Privé 2025.
Beyond the classics: a look at Bentley today
Alongside these historic masterpieces, Bentley will showcase three of its most exceptional modern models in Salon Privé’s new Automotive Gallery — a highlight of the 20th anniversary celebrations.
Visitors can expect to see:
- The new Bentayga Speed, the most powerful Bentayga ever, boasting 650 PS and blistering performance.
- The Continental GTC Azure, defined by elegant design, a powerful new hybrid powertrain, and a grille inspired by heritage Bentleys.
- The Bentley Batur Convertible, the marque’s latest Mulliner coachbuilt masterpiece, which will also lead the Daily Supercar Parade. With only 16 examples produced, it exemplifies the brand’s commitment to luxury, performance, and exclusivity.
A new chapter for Concours competition
Salon Privé’s decision to open its Concours judging to manufacturers marks a significant step for the event. Chairman Andrew Bagley explains:
“It will be an honour to welcome and judge these two stunning entries from Bentley for the first time at our 20th Anniversary Concours next month. Opening up entries directly to manufacturers has diversified the collection of cars that guests can expect to see on the lawns this year. We really believe that these rare and beautiful classics are an ideal fit for our 20th anniversary event.”
The Emerald Anniversary celebration
Spanning five days, Salon Privé 2025 will offer something for every automotive enthusiast. The week-long festival begins with the Concours and includes Ladies’ Day by Boodles, Salon Privé Supercar Saturday, and the all-new Supercar Sunday. For classic and contemporary car collectors, the GT Tour and Rally Tour add even more ways to get involved.
Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Crewe, Bentley Motors is the definitive British luxury carmaker, renowned for blending performance, innovation, and hand-crafted excellence. Now owned by the Volkswagen Group, the marque is driving toward an all-electric future under its Beyond100+ strategy, aiming for full electrification by 2035.
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