Background
NOTE: PRICE INCLUDES AUCTION PREMIUM
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 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 S3 is perhaps the ultimate post-war Bentley in terms of appearance, performance and practicality, as well as the last medium sized Bentley to be offered with custom coachwork. H J Mulliner of Chiswick were responsible for some of the most iconic and beautiful coachwork designs on post-war Bentley chassis, especially the Continental variants. Their styling of the R-Type and S1 Continental fastback coupés evolved into the S2 Continental coupé, with the final development being Design No. 2012: the S3 Continental coupé. The lines were very similar to those of its predecessor, with wraparound rear windscreen and a graceful appearance. But H J Mulliner's S3 Continental was produced in far fewer numbers, with just eight cars in right-hand drive and a further three in left-hand drive. The Bentley Continental was, of course, exclusively a coach-built car. The firms of H J Mulliner, Park Ward, and James Young all offered bodies on the Continental S2 chassis. Quad headlamps were the S3's major styling innovation, and on many of the H J Mulliner, Park Ward-bodied Continentals they were contained in slanting nacelles. Fog lights were still fitted, but these no longer also functioned as flashing indicators; instead, the indicators on the new models were incorporated into redesigned sidelights, positioned on the front of the wings. Headlamps aside, the most significant change was to the S3's engine, which boasted an increased compression ratio, larger carburettors, and a Lucas vacuum-advance distributor, modifications that raised peak power by some 7%. There was also improved power steering to ease manoeuvring at parking speeds. A further minor change was the adoption of smaller bumper over-riders and a slightly reduced radiator height of about 1.5 inches, giving a sloping bonnet line and improving forward vision. Individual front seats and arm rests became a standard feature, and more powerful lighting and additional indication lights and switches on the instrument panel were introduced, presenting a far more modern feel to the last of the S-series Bentleys.
