1963 Bentley S3
No Reserve – Entered from the Alyth Collection

Registration No: Un-Registered
Chassis No: B478CN
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
• Previously resident in Texas, now repatriated to Great Britain

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.

Of all the Bentleys in the Alyth Collection, this one is perhaps the most intriguing, if only on account of its obscured past. The chassis number is not attached to any registration number on the D.V.L.A.’s records, so its early life is a mystery. As a right-hand drive example, we may assume it was sold new in Britain, but before it entered the Alyth Collection circa 1990, it had spent several years in Texas. Some of its history will, of course, be preserved in the build records which are held by the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club.

The mechanical condition of the car is unknown, but it goes without saying that it is completely in need of very thorough restoration. We would note that the upholstery is not badly preserved, though, and with some sympathetic treatment it could—and should—be preserved. A very worthwhile enthusiast for the practical enthusiast, B478CN will be a welcome sight at Rolls-Royce and Bentley rallies once it has been restored, and there may even be some subsequent potential for private-hire use and recouping some of the restoration expenditure.

There is no paperwork with this lot.

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