1964 Bentley S3 Continental Fixed Head Coupe
Coachwork by Mulliner Park Ward

Registration No: DSA 643B
Chassis No: BC138XC
MOT: Exempt

• One of only 76 or so examples bodied to Mulliner Park Ward's Design No. 2035 in both LHD and RHD
• Uniquely finished in the striking colour combination of Caribbean Blue over Red leather upholstery
• Originally specified with desirable air-conditioning option, a MPH / KMH speedometer and internally routed brake pipes
• The beneficiary of a recent £10,000 mechanical freshening up

Introduced in Autumn 1962, the S3 Continental was notable as the last Bentley to be coach built on a separate chassis. Powered by a 6,230cc OHV V8 engine allied to four-speed automatic transmission and reputedly capable of nigh-on 120mph, the newcomer was ferociously expensive. One of the more striking body styles available, Mulliner Park Ward’s Design Number 2035 was a beautifully sleek Fixed Head Coupe featuring a 'straight-through' wing line, 'cut-back' wheel arches, diagonally positioned quad headlamps and subtle tail fins. Understandably popular among contemporary celebrities such as Jayne Mansfield, Fanny Craddock, Sir John Mills, Harry Belafonte and Keith Richards, just 312 S3 Continentals of all types were completed between 1962 and 1966. However, Mulliner Park Ward’s Design Number 2035 only accounted for seventy-six of these (in both left and right-hand drive).

Understood to be one of less than fifty right-hand drive examples, chassis BC138XC was initially supplied by Weybridge Autos to F.J.L. Green Esq. It is evident that the car was always set to enjoy fine foreign weather, as it was uniquely finished in the striking colour combination of Caribbean Blue over a Red Leather interior and fitted with a sunroof. Further additions included a speedometer calibrated in both miles and kilometres, plus internally routed brake pipes, a Hirschmann electric aerial, Blue Sundym glass, electric windows and combined parking and blinking lights. Perhaps the most important addition, however, was that Mr Green had the Fixed Head Coupe fitted with the very-expensive-at-the-time and much desired air-conditioning option.

Relocating to California early on, the S3 Continental had covered an indicated 82,000 miles by early 1982 when the renowned Antipodean Rolls-Royce & Bentley specialist Robert McDermott purchased it for his own use. Mr McDermott subsequently sold the Fixed Head Coupe but continued to maintain and improve it for the next keeper before regret got the better of him and he became custodian for the second time. After enjoying most of its years in sunnier climes, the car would eventually return to the UK in 2015.

Pleasingly retaining its very charming original red leather upholstery, chassis BC138XC has been cherished as part of two private collections before being acquired by the vendor. Since repatriation, it has benefited from regular servicing and fettling including a headlight upgrade, suspension set-up, hydraulic tappet overhaul, sundry re-chroming, replacement heater matrix and refurbished electric window motors. The brake pipes have been routed inside the car, while a hi-torque starter motor and twin electric fans are sensible concessions to modern traffic. The most recent invoice on file, dating to May 2024 from Specialist Cars Southwest which totals some £10,796 evidences overhauling of the rear brakes, a service exchange brake servo unit, plus work to the carburettor, engine and cooling system.

During both our initial visit and the photography session, the Bentley performed impeccably and is said to be an ‘excellent example mechanically’ by the vendor, although he feels small cosmetic improvements can be made should a prospective owner prefer their vehicles to be show-winners. What is certain however, is that this fine grand-tourer certainly draws admiring glances wherever it finds itself and would look equally at home outside a Mayfair private members’ club or beachside in the South of France.

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