1966 | Bentley S 3 Continental

What a splendid example we have here - very rare in their day, as they were extremely expensive

Bizzarely, in today's classic car world, offering outstanding value - especially against other convertibles of the same period

Anyhow, enough blabbering on about values, let's dig deep into this pretty motorcar

We have the original build records and know that she was first delivered to Jersey in February 1966 (the last delivered to the Chanel Islands, and the 5th last ever produced)

Only a year later in 1967 she was purchased by The Rt. Hon. Marquis of Normandy, based ooop North in Yorkshire

Move forward 10 years and she was for sale with Aston Martin (Sales) Ltd in Sloane Street, Knightsbridge - there are some pictures of her in Hans Place, which is adjacent to their showrooms (I think it's now Loro Piana)

From where she was sold to an American chap for £17.000, at which point the mileage was 36.032

Returning back to the UK in 1989 and registered to Mr Waterfield

Many UK cars were shipped to the US in the late 1970's as the dollar was strong and again returning in the late 1980 early 1990's as the dollar was down against the pound

3 owners since 1989, and the mileage at that time was 38.630

To be fair the first owner in this period kept her for 15 years, the next for only 1 year and most recent for 10 years

The last owner, and third since 1989, has spent over £100.000 keeping her in excellent mechanical & structural condition - all bills on file

There are no records from the time it spent in the US, only the shipping details and title documents

The car has not undergone a full restoration, however the continuous maintenance, especially in recent times, does keep her looking and driving in an exceptional manner

In fact the last owner has used her specifically for overseas touring - exactly for which she was designed

Tours in Italy / France / Spain / Switzerland and even New Zealand

The mileage is now 74.994

There is a note that the interior leather was changed prior to shipment to the US from burgundy to grey / blue, whilst the carpets, hood and hood cover were also changed to blue

The hood is now Mohair whereas it was Everflex from the factory

The rear window can be unzipped to help the screen from being creased when being stored - a nice touch

There is also a full size tonneau cover as well which is most unusual

Electric windows were ordered from new and the hood is hydraulically operated

The spare wheel is brand new, and the stereo is the expensive Becker Mexico Retro (radio / sat nav / phone etc)

We picked her up from the owner and drove her in extreme heat all the way from Farnham back into town and she is a remarkable drive - it felt like Touring through Europe as we sped along the back roads towards the Hoggs Back

A most enjoyable journey and we completely understand why she has been used so much for long touring trips - New Zealand must been a once in a life time experience

Anyhow, all I can say is, who takes over her ownership is in for a treat