Lot details

Year: 1965
Make: Bentley
Model: S3
Registration: FYW 144C
Chassis No: B302HN
Engine No: BHW1S1
Mileage: 13,546
•: Recent bare metal re-paint
•: Gone through mechanically
•: Believed to be low mileage

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 lovely Bentley S3 was supplied by H.R. Owen Ltd, London to its first owner D. Barnes Esq of Southgate, London on 20th May 1965. The car was supplied painted in shell grey with black Connolly leather and with electric windows and Marchel combined parking and indicator lights to each door pillar. The second owner acquired this car in 1981 and then kept a comprehensive file. Around the same time the colour of the roof and boot was change to dark green and in his ownership did less than 10,000 miles. The current owner purchased the Bentley about two years ago from his daughter and set about bringing it back to the excellent condition presented here. This included a bare metal re-paint in dark green over shell grey, remove all the interior, repair as necessary, clean and connolized, remove the woodwork and have re-lacquered, carry out a full service to the engine, replace the water pump, thermostat and all the necessary hoses. Send the radiator for specialist repairs the flush out and replace the anti-freeze and overhaul the brakes. This lovely Bentley S3 is believed to have covered a low mileage and from the large history file starting in 1981 and the MoT history it has been used very sparingly. It is supplied with a V5 registration document which is still in the second owners name, copies of the chassis cards supplied by the RREC and the original handbooks. Here is a fantastic opportunity to buy one of the best, post war Bentleys that can still be used as an 'everyday motor car'. Consigned by John Tomlin