1963 Bentley S3
No Reserve – Entered from the Alyth Collection

Registration No: 257 FLA
Chassis No: B254CN
MOT: Exempt

• Entered from the Alyth Collection, a collection of motor cars kept in storage in Scotland for over 30 years
• A worthwhile project

By 1955, Rolls-Royce felt increasingly less need to visually differentiate its own models from the Bentley-badged ones. The Bentley S-Type that replaced the R-Type model was therefore basically a Silver Cloud behind the distinctive 'Flying B' radiator grille. It was the last Bentley powered by the company's venerable 150bhp 4.9-litre straight-six engine. The newcomer retained a separate chassis and body, facilitating the manufacture of special-bodied versions. Even so, the vast majority were delivered with the standard steel one. Suspension was independent by coil springs at the front and by live axle and semi-elliptic springs at the rear. Braking was by servo-assisted drums all-round. Improved performance arrived with the S2 model of 1959, when the straight-six engine was pensioned off in favour of a new 6.2-litre aluminium V8 unit. This raised the top speed to some 114mph and greatly enhanced acceleration. Power steering became standard and electrically operated windows an option. The model's final iteration was the S3. Introduced in 1962, it featured a lower bonnet line, different grille and twin headlamps. The interior modifications included individual seats for the front occupants and increased legroom for those in the rear. Engine power was increased by seven per cent. Some 1,630 S3s were produced between 1962 and 1966.

London-registered from new in February, 1963, this S3 would have made a very fine car for the man about town in the Swinging Sixties, and it is not difficult to imagine the first owner doing business with the smartly-pinstriped salesman in the Jack Barclay showroom, before gliding round the streets of Mayfair. Sadly, it had fallen on hard times by September, 1989, when it was taken off the road and into the shelter of the Alyth Collection, with assorted Rolls-Royce and Bentley stablemates, where it remained until recent weeks. The odometer reading of 52,194 miles could conceivably be original, and if so would suggest that the Bentley has not sustained any excessive mechanical wear. The interior, meanwhile, looks well-preserved under all the dust, and the revival of the original leather and woodwork should be both easily achievable and highly worthwhile. While the bodywork shows some obvious cosmetic flaws, there is no obvious evidence of any severe deterioration of the panels, though we would, of course, insist that any prospective bidders inspect it to their satisfaction. There is great potential for transforming B254CN into a dignified town car once again, and prospective restorers are sure to find it a rewarding project.

This lot is supplied without paperwork.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430