Lot Ended
Description
Recent
major service and brake overhaul; new tyres; green Sundym glass; scope
for cosmetic improvement
Bentley introduced its new S-Type Standard Steel Saloon in 1955,
powered initially by a 4.9-litre straight-six. This was replaced by a much more
effective all-alloy 6.2-litre V8 in the S2 model which appeared in 1959. Things
got even better in October 1962 with the launch of the S3 at the Paris Motor
Show.
Outwardly very similar to the S2, the
most obvious difference was the adoption of quad-headlamps which gave the car a
more modern and menacing look. Electric windows, power steering and a Hydramatic
4-speed automatic gearbox now came as standard and made the car more relaxing to
drive. It also had a higher compression engine and twin 2-inch SU carbs which
added another 15bhp.
Startlingly rapid for a stately home on wheels, it
could surge to 60mph in under 11 seconds on its way to a top speed of 115mph.
The last Bentley to employ a separate chassis, the S3 was replaced by
the unitary construction T-Series in late 1965 by which time 1,318 had
been sold.
First registered in December
1964, this stately old S3 is finished in black with a light tan interior and
green Sundym glass. It has no early history but there are 14 old MOTs which show
that it was on the road and in regular light use from 2003 to 2017. Invoices
show that it had a new fuel pump in 2011 and in 2014 it had a major service and
thorough check-over by AutoWeld of Gloucestershire which cost £2,600 and
included a brake system overhaul and some welding to the underside to address
some MOT failure points. AutoWorld also serviced the car annually at MOT time up
until 2018.
Our vendor, a serial
Rolls-Royce/Bentley owner, acquired the car in May 2021 and has gone right
through it to make it capable of reliable use. This has included a full service
and a thorough overhaul of the braking system. He has also fitted four new
Galaxy whitewall tyres which cost £600 from those good chaps at Longstone Tyres.
Although it no longer needs one, he also put it through an MOT in March 2023
which it passed with just a few minor advisories.
Fitted with a new battery just before the auction, it has been
starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site, with
healthy oil pressure, although we did note that the exhaust is blowing slightly.
As you can see in the photos, the interior is in good shape but the body and
paint could do with some attention. With good examples making £30k+, this S3 can
be enjoyed as it is and has lots of potential at the sensible guide price
suggested.
For more information contact
James on 07970 309907 or email [email protected]
* All charges are subject to VAT