1963 Bentley S3 LWB Saloon

Replacing the R-Type in 1955, the new ‘S’ model boasted Bentley’s renowned fine prestige design, with a powerful 4887cc engine (as shared with the Continental), three inches extra length and reduced height in comparison with its predecessor, improved suspension, steering and braking, and a standard four speed automatic gearbox. The S2 arrived in 1959 with a V8 6.2 litre unit, improved air conditioning, power steering as standard and some cosmetic alterations. The final incarnation of the series was to be the 1962 S3, which boasted a new four headlamp, radiator and flashing indicator arrangement, as well as refinements to the engine and power steering.

This extremely rare Long Wheel Base Standard Steel Saloon is apparently only one of twenty-five produced, and reputed to be one of just four built without a division. Finished in the handsome colour of metallic Mistletoe Green with a contrasting beige hide interior, this special model has other unusual features such as a kilometre speedometer unit, Sundym glass, Irvin seat belts, a veneered windscreen capping without ashtrays and Radfords sun visors with Perspex sliding inserts, together with front seat runners that are four inches longer than standard and a hand throttle control fitted to the left hand side of the steering column.  The Bentley has had an interesting life: its first owner (1963 – 1978) was a Mr Moradpour of Geneva, the second was a Mr Nordemann of New York (1978 – 1991), the third custodian from 1991 was Mr Herbert of Dorset, who passed the S3 onto his son, the fourth and current owner.  Mr Herbert Senior instructed a Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist to carry out major restoration work over a ten year period from 1997, at a cost of £64,000. It has been recently recommissioned after a period of heated dry storage and remains in pleasing, authentic condition. The lambswool fitted rugs are generally in good order, as are the carpets and upholstery; the left-hand head restraint is not present. Cosmetically, the door cappings could be improved, the paintwork does have some minor blemishes and the bumpers would benefit from rechroming.

TVS 218 is supplied with the original tools, together with a history file containing invoices for the aforementioned restoration, a vast number of other copy invoices from December 1963, photographs of the restoration, some old MOT test certificates and road tax discs, the original French edition handbook and the V5C registration certificate.

A rare motor car in the truest sense of the word and an interesting prospect for the Bentley enthusiast.

Auction Date: 9 July 2015