Highlights
- Over £115,000 spent on restoration and maintenance
- Lovely condition
- Comprehensive history folder
- Harvey Bailey Handling Kit
- Extensive history file
- Lovely specification
The Appeal
The Bentley S3 Continental 2 door fixed head coupe, to give it its full name, was exclusively coachbuilt, in this case by Mulliner Park Ward.
With a unique body style and four canted headlights, it’s a rare beast and, with an all-aluminium body, has a surprising turn of speed for something of its age and size.
With a unique body style and four canted headlights, it’s a rare beast and, with an all-aluminium body, has a surprising turn of speed for something of its age and size.
This example has had a fortune spent on maintenance and restoration, with invoices totalling over £115,000 since 1999 and an extensive history folder which shows a long history of pampering.
Its last owner used it to travel to classic events such as Goodwood where we’re sure it will have been met with an enthusiastic welcome. Still in lovely condition, it’s ready for new adventures with its next owner.
Get bidding now if you want to travel in luxury and arrive in style.
Its last owner used it to travel to classic events such as Goodwood where we’re sure it will have been met with an enthusiastic welcome. Still in lovely condition, it’s ready for new adventures with its next owner.
Get bidding now if you want to travel in luxury and arrive in style.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 29 January 1964
- Original order and build documentation shows optional electric windows and adjustable headrest for passenger seat
- Extensive service records from the early 90’s which demonstrate that the car has been pampered
- Over £115,000 spent since 1999 with notable work including
- New exhaust 2002
- Restoration in 2003 by English Automotive services London encompassing paintwork, bodywork, rechroming bumpers, new carpets and headlining
- Harvey Bailey Handling Kit fitted 2009
- Front seats retrimmed and bumpers rechromed 2010
- Interior refurbished 2014
- Transmission overhauled by Royce service and engineering in 2015
- Electronic ignition fitted 2021
- MOT history for 2006-2019 shows remarkably few issues and that all advisories were dealt with
- Purchased from Samuel Lawrence in London in 2016
- Kept in storage in Milton Keynes and used for trips to events such as Goodwood
- Exported to Ireland 2019
- All relevant documentation completed, now registered in Ireland
- Dry stored and has covered just 200 miles since arriving in the country
- Irish MOT exempt
The Interior
- Striking red leather upholstery
- Lovely condition
- Concealed modern stereo
Swing open the generously sized door to this two-door coupe and you’re immediately reminded of why Bentley has an enduring reputation for high quality interiors.
The leather upholstery to the front seats and the carpets have been renewed and with a gentle patina to the dashboard, there’s an overarching sense of luxury that’s hard to beat.
The leather upholstery to the front seats and the carpets have been renewed and with a gentle patina to the dashboard, there’s an overarching sense of luxury that’s hard to beat.
The seats are showing very little wear with those in the rear being completely original and the passenger seat retaining the optional adjustable headrest that was specified when the car was new.
Up above your head, the headlining remains clean and taut following its replacement in 2003 and houses a beautifully designed interior light.
Up above your head, the headlining remains clean and taut following its replacement in 2003 and houses a beautifully designed interior light.
The carpet has worn through the driver’s foot pad but is otherwise very well preserved. On the dashboard, the wood veneer is in generally good order and everything works just as it should, including the air conditioning, though the original radio has been superseded by a more modern item which is cunningly concealed in the glovebox.
The boot is fully carpeted with some minor wear to side carpets and contains a full size spare wheel, tool kit, and tyre pressure pump.
The Exterior
- Body by Park Ward
- Metallic grey coachwork
- Presents very well
- Car cover
Metallic grey suits the flowing lines of the car well and provides a fitting contrast to the more extrovert interior.
The paintwork is in good condition all round with only minor blemishes here and there and a small amount of bubbling in places, on the doors in particular. It’s matched by chrome which is in very good condition aside from a small rust spot on the front bumper near the near side over rider. Overall, though, the car presents very well.
As the pictures will attest, the underside is particularly clean. The seller reports that it has been treated, cleaned and waxoyled.
The wheels are also in good condition and the tyres have good tread all round.
The wheels are also in good condition and the tyres have good tread all round.
The Mechanics
- 6.2litre V8
- Automatic transmission
- Harvey Bailey Handling Kit
- Drives well
The engine bay is very clean and tidy and the engine starts and runs well.
The seller describes it as an easy car to drive, despite its considerable length, and that it is very comfortable on the move.
The seller describes it as an easy car to drive, despite its considerable length, and that it is very comfortable on the move.
The V8 engine provides plenty of power but it is reportedly very quiet on the road with no untoward noises from the suspension or drivetrain and a muted exhaust.
There is a minor fluid leak from the transmission but nothing that has unduly concerned the owner. In all, while it will undoubtedly need a level of ongoing maintenance, it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Summary
The perfect car to arrive at a classic motoring event in, this Bentley S3 has been well looked after and is in lovely condition.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
