Description
By late 1962 the success of the S Series Continental series Bentleys entered its third and final chapter, with the introduction of the S3 Continental. The major cosmetic change was the introduction of the twin headlight system, providing Bentley drivers with more illumination. Mechanically speaking the S3 Continental was very similar to the S2 Continental but benefited from having larger carburettors fitted and an upgraded power steering system. The success of the Vilhelm Koren designed Bentley S2 Continental had pleased the powers that be at Park Ward and his design was adapted for the S3 chassis, with the introduction of twin headlights. The coachwork did not lend itself happily to horizontal headlights, so they were instead positioned on a slight slant. Vilhelm Koren originally designed both a fixed head coupe and a drophead coupe on the S2 Continental chassis, but the fixed head coupe was never produced. However, on the S3Continental chassis both designs were available, with both fixed head (Design No 2035) and drophead (Design No 2006) being produced in very similar numbers. More importantly for the first time these designs were also offered in the form of a Rolls-Royce. The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III models were mechanically identical to the Bentley S3 Continentals, with only the radiator, instrumentation and badging being changed.
Chassis No SGT611C which we are currently offering for sale is one of just forty-nine examples built in right-hand drive to Design No 2045 by Mulliner/ Park Ward. It was originally finished in regal red with an off white hood and matching off white leather interior. It was completed in October of 1964 and supplied to its first owner Expertise Ltd of Juniper Hill in Surrey by Weybridge Autos Ltd.
It was purchased by the second owner Mr D Pinto of Piccadilly in London just under two years later in July 1966. In 1990 the car was supplied by Frank Dale & Stepsons to the Hiyashi Museum in Japan where it remained until 1996 when it returned to the UK. At this point it was acquired by the present owner who took the car to South Africa on a tour before shipping it back to the UK where it has remained ever since.
The history file documents all of the works carried out to the car during the 1990’s and beyond, some of which were extensive. We were approached about Chassis No SGT611C in more recent times and were asked to prepare it for sale. The works which have now concluded were extensive, with a full mechanical review taking place over several months. Following this, the coachwork was stripped back and structurally restored before being re-painted again in black. The finished car drives beautifully and looks superb. The total recent expenditure exceeded £100, 000.
The car is fitted with air conditioning and comes complete with its handbook, copy chassis cards and a large history file documenting all the works the car has benefitted from. This model continues to gain positive attention, growing in popularity each year. Chassis No SGT611C is a superb example of Design No 2045 and is ready for the next owners continued enjoyment.
