1963 Bentley S3 Saloon

Lot details
Registration No: 466 FLB
Chassis No: B368CN
Mot Expiry: March 2008

Introduced in late 1962, the S3 was the last of the imposing Bentley 'S' Series line. Visually distinguished by a restyled front end complete with quad headlamps, reprofiled wings and a lower bonnet line, the newcomer also boasted a more spacious interior that sat the front occupants on separate chairs and gave those in the rear a more upright bench. Retaining the same coil-and-wishbone independent front suspension, hypoid-bevel rear axle, power steering, four-speed automatic transmission and large diameter drum brakes as its predecessors, the model enjoyed superior performance thanks to a carburettor modification and increased compression ratio. Still displacing 6230cc, its admirably refined OHV V8 engine could reputedly whisk the elegant four-door saloon from 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds and on to 116mph. Not that the sumptuous cabin trimmed with the finest hides, wood veneers and carpets encouraged such behaviour. Only in production for three years, just 1,285 Bentley S3 Standard Steel Saloons are thought to have been made.

Finished in two-tone grey with blue leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Rating the automatic transmission as "good", he also that there is "one small cigarette burn" to the cabin. Reportedly one of three Bentleys barn stored by their previous keeper, '466 FLB' is understood to have benefited from "a bare-metal respray, exchange automatic gearbox and new exhaust" since entering the current ownership. Apparently acquired to supplement the wedding facilities available at the seller's hotel, we are further informed that the S3 has been "regularly serviced by a Rolls-Royce mechanic". Rendered surplus to requirements by the recent changing hands of the business, it is nevertheless said to have proven "a very reliable car" over the last five years. An elegant four-door saloon in the best Rolls-Royce and Bentley tradition, '466 FLB' is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until March 2008 and historic class (free) road tax valid until April 2008.