Lot 300: Bentley S3 Continental Drop Head Coupe

Described by The Autocar as, A new stage in the evolution of the post-war Bentley, the magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction on the R-Type chassis in 1952. With the arrival of the final (S-Type) generation of six-cylinder cars in 1955, the Continental lost a little of its individuality but none of its exclusivity, and this trend continued after the arrival of the V8-engined S2 in 1959. Although the S2 appeared externally unchanged, its performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc aluminum-alloy V8 engine. Power-assisted steering was now standard and there was no longer the option of a manual gearbox, Rolls-Royce's own four-speed automatic transmission being the sole offering. The Bentley Continental was, of course, exclusively a coachbuilt automobile. The firms of H J Mulliner, Park Ward and James Young all offered bodies on the Continental S2 chassis, which differed from the standard version by virtue of its four-leading-shoe front brakes, shorter radiator and, up to chassis number 'BC99BY', higher gearing. By far the most striking of the S2 Continentals were those bodied by Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder Park Ward, and this design by Norwegian Vilhelm Koren, with its influential continuous front-to-rear wing line, would continue on the Continental S3. Quad headlamps were the S3's major styling innovation, and on the H J Mulliner, Park Ward-bodied Continental, were contained in slanting nacelles, giving rise to this model's 'Chinese Eye' soubriquet. Only 312 Bentley S3 Continental of all types were produced and chassis number 'BC8XC' is one of a mere 76 of its type bodied by H J Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd after the two firms' merger. A left-hand drive model, one of 28 built, the car was ordered new by H R Owen Ltd for one H O H Silley of Royal Albert Dock, London and delivered on December 16, 1963. Original painted Deep Bronze Green with beige leatherette, it has since been repainted a lovely deep burgundy with matching merlot dyed leather. Recently, the car has benefited from a cosmetic restoration. This wonderful Bentley Continental is offered on a State of California Certificate of Title.