Heavily modified Bentley once owned by comedy legend to sell for £150k – unusual interior changes make it truly unique
A HEAVILY modified Bentley once owned by comedy legend is set to sell for £150,000.
The unique 1960 S2 Continental model is set to go under the hammer at the Imperial War Museum in Cambridgeshire.
H&H Classics is offering the rare vehicle brimming with unconventional modifications and is expected to fetch between £120,000 and £150,000.
Renowed British comedian Peter Sellers held ownership of the Bentley from November 1961 to July 1966.
The popular actor featured on one of Blake Edwards’ Pink Panther films as Inspector Clouseau.
During this period, Sellers entrusted the meticulous maintenance of the car to Jack Barclay Ltd.
The Bentley boasts its original feel with minor unique alterations made by the comedian.
These include a ‘smoke glass mirror with a longer arm, allowing full movement of the sun visor.’
It also has new front wings with the addition of two extra headlights, creating a distinctive appearance.
H&H Classics motors expert Damian Jones said: “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.”
Despite being restored, the classic vehicle still preserves its captivating history – with the original upholstery.
Auctioneers said the model will attract considerable interest because of its film history of all the celebrities who accompanied Sellers on the road.
Mr Jones added: “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.”
The iconic vehicle is one of only 60 right-hand drive and it is one of the most expensive cars of the 1960s.
Lucky drivers will be able to snap up the car with its own memorabilia – including a signed photograph of Peter Sellers, an original movie poster, a vinyl Goons LP and dozens of press cuttings.
Interested buyers can view the car at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, on March 12 and the morning of the sale day.
Bidding options include in-person, online, by phone, or leaving a commission bid.