1965 Bentley S3
No Reserve – Entered from the Alyth Collection

Registration No: CTS 61C
Chassis No: B186HN
MOT: Exempt

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

One of the last of the S3 line, this Standard Steel saloon manages to sustain an elegant appearance in spite of the decay it has suffered over a long period off the road. Originally registered in Dundee in March, 1965, as ‘CTS 61C’, chassis B186HN was taken off the road in April, 1991, around the time it entered the Rolls-Royce and Bentley-focussed Alyth Collection. We note that the odometer reading has stood still at 58,651 miles, which could conceivably be original and, if so, would suggest that the mechanical parts have not sustained any excessive wear. In keeping with a low-mileage car, the interior appears to be well-preserved underneath the dust, and it should not take much to revive the original leather and woodwork. While the bodywork shows some obvious cosmetic flaws, there are no immediate signs of any severe deterioration of the panels, though we would, of course, insist that any prospective bidders inspect it to their satisfaction. Certainly, the rescue of this Bentley should be achievable by any experience restorer, and it fully deserves to see the road again.

This lot is supplied without paperwork.

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