1964 Bentley S3 Continental by Mulliner Park Ward

Faulty nearside window winder motor to be repaired under warranty

• One of a limited production run of just 76 Design 2035 examples built
• Finished in a striking shade of Caribbean Blue with St James Red hide interior
• Residing in America and Australia for many years prior to its return to the UK in 2015
• Maintained throughout regardless of cost
• Has formed part of a private collection in recent years
• Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate this rare exquisite Bentley to the full

Bentley's magnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction on the R-Type chassis in 1952. With the arrival of the final (S-Type) generation of six-cylinder cars in 1955, the Continental lost a little of its individuality but none of its exclusivity and this trend continued after the arrival of the V8-engined S2 in 1959. Although the S2 appeared externally unchanged, 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, Rolls-Royce's own four-speed automatic being the sole offering.

The Bentley Continental was, of course, exclusively a coachbuilt automobile. The firms of H J Mulliner, Park Ward and James Young all offered bodies on the Continental S2 chassis. By far the most striking of these S2 Continentals were those bodied by Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder Park Ward, and this design by Norwegian Vilhelm Koren, with its influential continuous front-to-rear wing line, would continue on the S3 Continental. Quad headlamps were the S3's major styling innovation, and on the H J Mulliner, Park Ward-bodied Continental they were contained in slanting nacelles, giving rise to this model's 'Chinese Eye' sobriquet. Headlamps aside, the most significant change was to the S3's engine, which boasted an increased compression ratio and larger carburettors, modifications that raised peak power by some 7%. 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.

Supplied by Weybridge Autos to FJL Green Esq in February 1964, this very rare Mulliner Park Ward Bentley S3 Continental – Design No 2035, is finished in Caribbean Blue with St James Red hide interior and has clearly led a very cherished life presenting in outstanding condition throughout. Believed to have spent the majority of its early life in America before travelling to Australia in 1982 where it fell into the hands of renowned Bentley Specialist Robert McDermott. He retained the Bentley for his own enjoyment until eventually the S3 returned to the UK in 2015 remaining with the same owner until this very day. The specification noted in the factory build sheets list full refrigeration, combined brake and indicator lamps, brake pipes routed through the floorboards and a speedometer calibrated for both miles and kilometres in readiness no doubt, for European motoring. More recent additions include a full-length Webasto roof, rear head restraints, a high-torque starter and twin cooling fans, all fitted with more modern motoring in mind. An opportunity to acquire a rare and exquisite 'Chinese Eye' Bentley that in period was the mode of transport much sought after by the rich and famous and one that still retains an air of exclusivity and admiration wherever it goes.