1963 | Bentley S 3

The last Bentley to be built on a separate chassis, 1962 saw the introduction of the Bentley S3 factory bodied, standard steel saloon and, at first glance, it would appear that the all new S3 was merely an S2 with different headlamps. The introduction of the twin headlamps was clearly the most obvious change, but the differences did not end there. Further changes included the introduction of smaller bumper overriders and the repositioning of the front indicators and side lamps into one single unit on the front wing, resulting in a more attractive appearance. The S3's interior now had individual front seats in place of the split bench seat found in the earlier S-Types and some, like this one, had electric windows and front seat belts. Mechanically speaking the S3 was the same as the S2 with a 6230cc, Rolls-Royce V8 engine and automatic gearbox but this model was fitted with larger carburettors, improved power steering to aid smoother movement at parking speed and a Lucas vacuum-advance distributor to aid fuel consumption, making it almost identical in mechanical specification to the S3 Continental that was being produced at the same time.

This excellent Bentley S3 Standard Steel Saloon was supplied new via Watson of Liverpool to The Right Honourable Lord Shawcross. This S3 comes with an extensive history file covering maintenance since 1984 at which time the car had covered 23,000 miles, this is confirmed by the second owner Mr G.D. Glanville, who purchased it in 1967, in a letter to the third owner David Powell who acquired the car in January 1988. There is an unbroken chain of MoT's and MoT history which warrants the mileage. Substantial expenditure has been lavished on the car and the work undertaken include fitting new sills and a bare metal respray in its original colour scheme of Tudor over Shell Grey done in 2011-13. All the woodwork has been removed and refinished to a beautiful standard including the rear picnic tables. The interior has been completely re-trimmed in brand new grey hides, the headlining renewed, a new set of carpets installed along with new door cards. This lovely Bentley S3 is supplied with a V5 registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires in January 2026, copies of the original chassis cards and a large history file containing old MoT test certificates, copies of registration documents and many invoices. The last of which shows the current owner having a major service, the brakes overhauled and four new tyres fitted. The car is in splendid condition. It drives beautifully with ample power, excellent brakes and a soft undulating ride. It would be very hard to find a better one at the price being asked. Consigned by John Tomlin

Lot details
Year: 1963
Make: Bentley
Model: S3
Registration: AOT 558A
Chassis No: B689CN
Engine No: BCN342
Odometer: 77,892


* Subject to a bare metal repaint

* All new interior, headlining and carpets

* Recent major service, brake overhaul and new tyres