1964 Bentley S3 Continental Fixed Head Coupé by Mulliner Park Ward

In 1961, Rolls-Royce (the owner of Bentley at the time) combined two of its subsidiaries, Park Ward of Willesden, London, and H. J. Mulliner & Co. of Chiswick, to create the prestigious coachbuilders known as Mulliner Park Ward. This strategic merger enabled the pooling of their expertise and craftsmanship, establishing Mulliner Park Ward as a prominent name in luxury automobile design and customisation with Bentley’s typically being designed with a sportier and more dynamic character. Although appearing externally unchanged from the S2, its performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc V8 engine. Power-assisted steering was now standard and there was no longer the option of a manual gearbox with Bentley’s own four-speed automatic being the sole offering.

Of the 312 S3 Continentals built between 1962 and 1966, a considerable number were supplied to prominent sportsmen and contemporary celebrities including Jayne Mansfield, Fanny Craddock, Sir John Mills and Harry Belafonte as they were "the car to be seen in" and pleasingly the Continental still retains that cachet.

This particular example is one of just a handful of right-hand drive S3s to be bodied by Mulliner Park Ward and remains finished in its stunning original specification of Caribbean Blue with a St. James Red hide interior, adding to the car’s timeless charm and appeal.

Supplied new by Weybridge Autos to FJL Green Esq. in February 1964, it began its life in Great Britain before being relocated to California where it remained until 1982 covering an indicated 82,000 miles. From California the car was sold and shipped to Australia to be united with its new Antipodean custodian, renowned Rolls-Royce & Bentley specialist Robert McDermott. Remaining in Australia the car was sold in late-1982 to a Mr. Bowen who kept it until 1996 when it returned to McDermot for a second time, with the odometer then reading 98,140 miles. It wasn’t until 2015 that this well-travelled Continental finally returned home.

As one can imagine with a car that cost more than an Aston Martin DB5 or Ferrari 250 Lusso, the S3 was very well-equipped from standard. Some notable factory options selected by Mr. Green, according to the build sheets, were air-conditioning, electric windows, a Hirschmann electric aerial, blue Sundym glass, combined brake and indicator lights, brake pipes routed through the floorboards and a speedometer calibrated for both miles and kilometres in readiness no doubt, for European motoring.

This wonderful S3 has been well-loved and meticulously maintained throughout its lifetime, covering an average of just 5,000 miles a year from new and is supplied with a history file that makes very pleasant reading. The car has seen modern, necessary upgrades in recent times including twin electric fans, a full-length Webasto roof, headlight upgrade, improved suspension set-up, hydraulic tappet overhaul, sundry re-chroming, replacement heater matrix, and refurbished electric window motors, amongst other things, all of which are detailed in the history file. In the last 6 months, the S3 has undergone a significant, preventative mechanical refresh to the tune of £7,321 with renowned marque specialists Bensport in Ilminster, ensuring its readiness for a new custodian.

Very stylish, old-school Bentley motoring and all the better for it.