Lot 067: 1963 Bentley S3 Continental Fixed Head Coupe

Introduced in Autumn 1962, the S3 Continental was notable as the last Bentley to utilise a separate chassis. Featuring independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung semi-floating back axle (complete with hypoid bevel final drive), hydraulic shock absorbers (adjustable at the rear), power steering and servo-assisted drum brakes, the box-section structure in question was powered by a 6230cc OHV V8 engine allied to four-speed automatic transmission. Reputedly capable of nigh-on 120mph, the S3 Continental was sold to coachbuilt special order only. One of the more striking designs available, the H.J. Mulliner Park Ward Fixed Head Coupe owed its beautifully sleek profile to Vilhelm Koren. A freelance stylist from Sweden, the 'straight-through' wing line and 'cut-back' wheelarches that he pioneered on the Bentley S2 Continental chassis were successfully carried over to its successor. Visually updated by the diagonal placement of their quad headlights, the Koren-inspired S3 Continentals (in either open or closed guises) thus boasted a decidedly modern yet majestic look. Of the 312 S3 Continentals made between 1962 and 1966, a good number were supplied to such contemporary celebrities as Jayne Mansfield, Fanny Craddock, Sir John Mills and Harry Belafonte. Finished in silver with burgundy leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork, paintwork) or "very good" (interior trim, wheels / tyres) condition. Entering the current ownership via Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealer J.K. Seymour in 2002, 'NWR 733A' is said to have been "thoroughly gone through with particular attention being paid to its electrics, upholstery and engine hoses etc as part of the purchase agreement". Apparently maintained by a Rolls-Royce specialist in Surrey for the past six years, the Continental is further understood to have provided "trouble free motoring including trips to and around the Continent". While, we are informed that recent work has seen the coupe treated to "an extensive brake system overhaul, sundry fettling and MOT test". Stated to "drive very well" and to have been "kept garaged" when not in use, this stylish coachbuilt Bentley is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until May 2009.