Lot 327: 1964 Bentley S3 6.2 litre V8 Continental Two Door Saloon

The Bentley S3 of 1962 was the last of the line of the ‘S’ Series Bentley cars, first produced in six-cylinder form in 1955 and developing through the S2 of 1959 with its all-new V8 engine to the S3. The 2 inch SU carburettors and the 9:1 compression ratio gave the S3 some 15 or so extra bhp and in Standard Steel form the S3 model was readily recognisable by its twin headlamps. The latter feature was adopted by Mulliner, Park Ward in their stylish drophead coupé and fixed head coupé S3 designs which became affectionately known as the ‘Chinese Eye’ model. The S3 Continental was powered by a 6,230cc engine driving through a Hydramatic four-speed automatic gearbox. Some 312 S3 Continentals were built in total, finding owners amongst captains of industry and noted celebrities including Jayne Mansfield, Fanny Craddock, Sir John Mills and Harry Belafonte. BC80XC was ordered for delivery in February 1964 by Jack Barclays in London for their esteemed customer, Sir R McAlpine & Sons Ltd., Sir Robert, a life-long Bentley aficionado, selecting Mulliner, Park Ward two door saloon coachwork for his new car. This was first registered MCA 4, one from a series of similar distinctive plates belonging to that family. Following the McAlpine ownership, the car was acquired by a Mr Haynes of Bury Heath and in 1975 passed into the ownership of Bentley enthusiast, Roy Adams, who was to retain this car for some 25 years. In the year 2000 BC80XC joined a small and distinguished collection of Bentley motor cars and a major refurbishment was undertaken at a cost of some £60,000 or so. The work included significant coachwork restoration to both front and rear wings, inner and outer sills and new inner wheel housings and inner valances. Following completion of the structural work a bare metal respray was carried out, the car being refinished in metallic blue livery. During the same ownership the automatic gearbox was overhauled and during the present ownership a major overhaul of the brakes and general servicing has been carried out. Also during the present ownership the leather interior has been the subject of meticulously careful conservation work by Trimline Systems. It is evident that the current and previous owners have spared no expense in their endeavours to maintain this car in the best possible driving condition. Chromework throughout is excellent, woodwork has been refurbished in recent years and new dark blue Wilton carpets fitted. The interior is appointed in grey leather. It is believed that the recorded mileage at the time of cataloguing, 49,322 miles, is genuine. When new in 1964 this distinguished grand tourer retailed at £7,860, the second most expensive car shown at the Earls Court Motor Show the preceding October. An ideal car for continental touring, this car comes from private enthusiast ownership and is offered with original manuals and tools, Swansea registration document and current MoT certificate.