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1963 Bentley S3 Series

Saloon
Chassis number: B40EC

The Bentley S3, introduced in autumn of 1962, was the final iteration of the S Series. They had a design that was nearly identical to their Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III sibling. The most visual difference between the Bentley and the Rolls was at the front, with their grille. The Bentley had a rounded vertical-bar grille. Power was from an overhead-valve V8 engine displacing 380 cubic-inches and offering over 200 horsepower.

This particular Bentley Saloon is finished in Shell Grey Metallic and Caribbean Blue Metallic with Grey Connolly leather interior and contrasting blue carpets. It left the Crew production facility in 1963 and was sold new to its first owner in England, where it remained until being imported into the United States in 1975, where it was sold to its second and most recent owner. The car has remained in Arizona since that time. Recently, it was treated to a complete exterior restoration.

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