1965 Bentley S3 Series

During the 1950s, Rolls-Royce and Bentley models were visually similar except for the badges and front radiators. The Bentley S1 replaced the R-Type was therefore basically a Silver Cloud I, and the last Bentley powered by the 140-horsepower 4.9-liter straight-six engine. It had a separate chassis and body which meant it could receive custom coachwork, although the vast majority of S1s were built with the standard steel body. In the front was an independent suspension with coils springs and in the back was a live axle and semi-elliptic units. Braking was performed by servo-assisted drums at all four wheels.

In 1959, the S2 made its debut and brought with it a boost in performance, thanks to the all-new, all-alloy 6.2-liter V8 engine. The top speed rose to 115 mph and greatly enhanced acceleration. Power steering became standard and electrically operated windows an option.

The final iteration of the model was the S3, introduced in October of 1962 at the Paris Salon. It was given a different grille, four headlamps, and a more contemporary 1.5 inch lower bonnet line. Inside there were individual seats for the front occupants and increased legroom for those in the rear. The engine power output rose by seven percent, thanks mostly to a higher compression ratio from 8:1 to 9:1 and larger carburetors. Top speed was now achieved at 117 mph. There was a new exhaust system that had three acoustic stainless steel silencers, each tuned to absorb a different range of frequencies. The noise was further diminished by insulation being installed at every likely point of vibration.

The interiors were well-appointed with grade on Connolly hide for the trim and French walnut veneer for the fascia and garnish rails.

The Continental chassis variants were identical to the standard one, which marked a first for the Bentley line. They did have wider section tires, a slightly higher axle ratio of 2.92:1, and four shoes per drum in the front brakes. The standard Saloon bodies were fashioned from steel, however, the coachbuilt Continentals were formed from aluminum, which was a considerable reduction in weight.

Bentley built a total of 311 examples of the S3 Continental and 291 were by Rolls-Royce-owned Mulliner Park Ward and 20 by James Young. On average, the Continentals cost around 40 to 50 percent more than the standard examples.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan by James Young
Chassis number: B116GJBGJ58

1965 was the last year of production for the Bentley S3. Over the course of production, 1,285 saloons were configured with right-hand drive.

A distinguishable features of the S3 over its predecessors were the side-by-side quad-headlamp configuration and a lower-mounted radiator and grille.

This 1965 Bentley S3 was among the last of the handcrafted series built by the skilled craftsman at the Crewe facility in Cheshire, England, before the coach-built body-on-frame era came to a close with the introduction of the unibody T-series. It is finished in a black and cream exterior with a black leather interior. There is a black leather interior, factory radio, right-hand drive, chrome spoke wheels, and original wood dash. There is a 3-spoke steering wheel with column-mounted gearshift selector. It has been in long-term storage in a climate-controlled building.

The 6.2L light alloy-aluminum block and head V-8 engine was factory-equipped with dual SU carburetors and hydraulic lifters for an estimated 200-plus HP. There is a standard 4-speed automatic transmissions which delivers propulsion through a hypoid-drive rear axle and rear wheels giving the car a top speed of 115 MPH. Road control and handling are provided by the power-assisted steering, unequal-length wishbone front suspension, and anti-roll torsion bar setup. The brakes are hydraulic servo-assist.

by Dan Vaughan

Chassis number: BC74LXE

The Bentley Continental sports saloon was introduced on the R-Type chassis in 1952. It soon became synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in grand touring fashion. By the time of the final S-Type generation of six-cylinder cars was introduced in 1955, the Continental had lost a little of its individuality but none of its exclusivity. This trend would continue with the arrival of the V8-engined S2 in 1959. The S2 had a similar exterior appearance to the car it replaced, but underneath it was considerably enhanced, thanks in-part to the n32 6,230cc V8 engine. Power-assisted steering was now standard and there was no longer the option of a manual gearbox. A four-speed automatic gearbox was the sole offering from Rolls-Royce.

A total of 312 S3 Continentals were produced with 80 of those being left-hand drive cars.

This particular example is an alloy bodied factory air-conditioned example. It has been given a complete mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment by Vantage Motorworks.

by Blackhawk Collection

LWB Saloon by James Young
Chassis number: LBCL22

Of the 32 long wheelbase Bentley S3s built, this is one of only 7 fitted with coachwork by James Young of Bromley in Kent and the only one with left-hand drive. In addition, it is the very last of a long line of James Young-bodied S series Bentleys to be built. It was ordered with a special 2-inch higher roofline to accommodate its first owner, a six-foot-six-inch doctor from West Germany. Its second owner used the car to tow his horse trailer, which must have been quite a sight. The Bentley S3s have the 6.2-litre V8 engine introduced with the earlier Bentley S2. Its counterpart from Rolls-Royce was the Silver Cloud III.

Continental Convertible by Hermann Graber
Chassis number: BC202LXC

The long production run, from the R-Type Continental to the three Bentley S-Types, ended with a special-bodied Bentley S3 Continental, built by Swiss coachbuilder Graber. All the S-Type Continentals were coach built touring cars, capable of cruising with ease and safety at high speeds while carrying four passengers and their luggage. Each new generation improved on the previous one, ending with the S3 Continental with its quad headlamps and improved V8 engine.

This S3 Continental was commissioned in 1965 by Baptista Fritz, an Austrian industrialist, and was delivered in 1967. Fritz ordered several unique additions to this car, including wheel hubs with embossed Fs, and a specially made Bentley hood ornament modified to an 'F' instead of the 'B.' With the roof lowered, rear passengers are protected by a raised rear window - similar to a dual cowl but without the cowl. A slightly square but flowing rear end with small fins completes and enhances the sporty, eye-catching design. This car is the last Bentley Continental produced. It remained with the Fritz family until 1990, then went to a Japanese collection before Bob Lee acquired it in 1991.

Continental Drophead Coupe

Dubbed the 'Korenental' after designer Vilhelm Koren, this style was a notable counterpoint to its rounded siblings.

Continental Coupe by Park Ward & Co.
Chassis number: BC90LXC
Engine number: 45CBC

This 1965 Bentley S3 Continental Coupe with coachwork by Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder Park Ward. Styling features include the quad headlights in slanting nacelles, giving rise to the model's 'Chinese Eye' sobriquet. The 6,230cc, overhead-valve, aluminum V8 engine benefits from an increased compression ratio and larger carburetors which helped raise power by approximately seven percent. The engine is backed by a four-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel Girling drum brakes. The suspension is independent in the front with semi-elliptical leaf springs in the back.

In May of 1964, Mr. Lawrence S. Reed sold his Texas Gulf Producing Company to Sinclair for $253 million. Around that time, he ordered this Bentley S3 Continental Coupe from Rolls-Royce of New York. It was finished in Tudor Grey over Grey leather, with options that included a Blaupunkt radio, electric windows and aerial, plain Sundym glass all around, and white wall tires.

This car wears an older restoration and has since been refinished in black over tan hides with a more modern cassette radio and air conditioning. Lucy Dahl acquired the Bentley in 2002 and retained it for six years before selling it to the current owner in 2008.

by Dan Vaughan

The Bentley S3, a 4-door saloon with seating for five, was produced from 1962 through 1965 with a total of 1630 examples being produced. It was basically a modified and modern version of the Bentley S2. Some examples were bodied by Park Ward, H.J. Mullner, James Young, and others, while most received coachwork from the marque. A limited number of 32 examples were created on a stretched wheelbase adding to the interior comfort for the passengers.

In comparison to the S2, there were minor differences; most were aesthetics appearing near the front of the vehicle. The front panels had been restyled, twin headlamps had been fitted, and a smaller bumper was used. The interior's split-bench seat was now replaced by individual seats.

Under the hood was the tried-and-true Rolls-Royce OHV eight-cylinder engine. It had an aluminum-silicon alloy cylinder block with cast-iron cylinder liners. Fitted with two SU carburetors, it was capable of producing around 200 horsepower. Zero-to-sixty took just under eleven seconds while top speed was achieved at around 116 mph. Fuel economy was low, with around 13 mpg combined. Power was sent to the rear wheels courtesy of a four-speed automatic gearbox.

The S3 was the final iteration of the S-Series. It was replaced by the T-Type, a derivative of the Rolls-Royce Shadow.

by Dan Vaughan