Ayrton Senna's race-worn F1 helmet from the 1992 Belgian GP is up for auction at £150K - despite damage. See why this rare piece of history is so prized.

Rare Bentley specially built for movie legend Gary Cooper to be sold for £125,000

Ayrton Senna’s race-worn F1 helmet from the 1992 Belgian GP is up for auction at £150K – despite damage. See why this rare piece of history is so prized.

A rare Bentley specially built for movie legend Gary Cooper is to be sold for £125,000.

The 1961 S2 Continental Flying Spur saloon by HJ Mulliner was ordered new by the three-time Oscar-winning Hollywood star.

The car was built for the famous actor but he could not take delivery of it.

It was nonetheless freighted to the United States and was eventually bought in June 1961 by Herbert Shuffleworth, co-founder of carpet company Mohasco Industries.

The Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club next records that Bentley collector Willis L Jessup of North Carolina owned it from February 1979 until 1987.

The S2 Continental was then acquired by New Jersey resident Mark Corigliano.

The car subsequently moved to Miami, Florida, US, where it was maintained by the reputable Vintage Motorworks between 1991 and 2017.

It is being sold by its current Monaco based owner.

Its listing states: “The straight-six at the heart of Derby-era Bentleys played no small role in earning the marque a reputation as the maker of the silent sports car.

“However, as the 1960s rolled into view, the long-serving powerplant was butting up against its development ceiling.

“That prompted the introduction of an aluminium 6,230-cc V-8. Smooth and quiet, the new motor underlined Bentley’s status as a maker of exquisite, rapid, and graceful automobiles, and—in its various forms and developments—would be deployed until 2020, with its final application in the Mulsanne.

“In the front of the S2 Continental, the engine found an ideal home.

“An attractive one, too, when finished in the sporting four-door ‘Flying Spur’ body design (number 7058) penned by George Moseley and realised by H.J. Mulliner.

“One such example is chassis BC22LAR, offered here, which was one of around 50 examples of the S2 Continental platform configured in left-hand-drive form.

“According to an accompanying copy of the factory build records, the car was specified in Pacific Green over Beige leather and notably equipped with air conditioning, a rear window blind and a speedometer that read in km/h.

“Offered today in Dark Oriole over authenticated beige Connolly leather, the Bentley is offered with a copy of a FIVA Identity Card issued in January 2019.

“It also comes with a coveted invitation to become a member of the exclusive Automobile Club de Monaco, the organisers of the Monaco Grand Prix and host to many F1 drivers.

“This stately and seductive S2 Continental ‘Flying Spur’ Saloon now awaits its next discerning owner for continental touring pleasure.”

It is being auctioned by RM Sotheby’s.

*The 1961 S2 Continental Flying Spur saloon by HJ Mulliner. (Jam Press/Loic Kernen/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)*

Gary Cooper was an American actor known for his strong, silent screen persona and understated acting style.

He won the Academy Award for best actor twice and had a further three nominations as well as an Academy Honorary Award in 1961 for his career achievements.