Lot 276 - 1965 Bentley S3 Standard Steel Saloon

The last Bentley to be built on a separate chassis, in 1962, saw the introduction of the Bentley S3 factory bodied standard steel saloon and, at first glance, it would appear that the all new S3 was merely an S2 with different headlamps. The introduction of the twin headlamps was clearly the most obvious change but the differences did not end there. Further changes included the introduction of smaller bumper over-riders and the repositioning of the front indicators and side lamps into one single unit on the front wing resulting in a more attractive appearance. The S3's interior now had individual front seats in place of the split bench seat found in the earlier S-Types and some had air conditioning, electric windows and front seat belts fitted. Mechanically speaking, the S3 was the same as the S2 with a 6230cc Rolls-Royce V8 engine and automatic gearbox but this model was fitted with larger carburettors, improved power steering to aid smoother movement at parking speed and a Lucas vacuum-advance distributor to aid fuel consumption making it almost identical in mechanical specification to the S3 Continental that was being produced at the same time. 

Originally registered on 13^th June 1965, this Bentley S3 has been owned by the current vendor since 2003. He has enjoyed the car immensely having used it both for commuting to the office and for long driving holidays. The engine starts on the button and runs smoothly with no adverse noises or rattles and the gearbox operates as she should. The two-tone coachwork is in pretty good order although there are a couple of areas that may need attention and the olive green leather interior is quite divine with a splendid patina. The seats are armchair like in their comfort and the wood has been re-furbished at some stage. We are advised she drives with no known faults. This Standard Steel Bentley is supplied with a V5C registration document and a current MoT test certificate valid until 13^th June 2018 and a history folder.

• Photographs courtesy of Luke Papworth of Hampshire Photography