Expensive, but a timelessly elegant and relaxed motoring experience.
This Bentley Continental S3 Mulliner Park Ward Coupe was new in 1964, Shell Grey with Red Leather Interior. Never seen before but recently several times, first time at Autopassion, and here on the Gold Coast; does Randall Lawson live here? Or just visiting? Breitling on the dash?
As the last model before in the introduction of the monocoque cars, the series three version of the Bentley S models is truly the last of the coachbuilt cars. Though most of them featured the standard steel saloon bodies, a few were built with Mulliner Park Ward Continental bodywork. Thanks to their well-proportioned and comparatively modern bodies, and motivated by the recently introduced aluminum 6.2 litre V8, these cars were meant for owner-drivers, and not the more insular owners of the Rolls-Royce cousins who were used to being driven instead.
This particular car is a very original right hand drive example that remains unrestored, aside from a repaint many years ago, and new carpet in the trunk. The car comes with many books including handbook, parts books, workshop manual, jack, and tools. It was owned by the same American owner from 1979 to 2007. There are a few service records included for various jobs, including the rebuilding of the carburetors, new fuel pump, rebuild master cylinder, and replace brake hoses. In 2008, the trunk was redone with the correct wilton wool at a cost of nearly $850, and the bumpers and overriders rechromed as well. The power steering ram was rebuilt as well. The owner now reports that everything is functional on the car except for the reversing lights.
Cosmetically, the car is predominantly original, but well-preserved and in keeping with "good driver" standards. The re-paint is older and now has patina, while the chrome bumpers are excellent. The radiator shell has some scratching but remains attractive. The panels are straight and fit well, though there are numerous minor blemishes. The lights and glass are very good, including the Lucas flamethrower fog lamps with yellow bulbs.
The interior has great patina with some creasing to the leather, though it remains supple and free of holes and tears. The carpets are excellent, and the wood is very good, showing superficial cracking in selected areas. The instruments and switches are very good, and the car is still fitted with its original Radiomobile radio.
The trunk is immaculate and reflects the attention to detail that went into its renewal. The tool set is in place in the trunk. The engine compartment is predominantly original but remains tidy and presentable. The underside is straight and reasonably solid. While there is no substantial corrosion, some areas of the underside are showing its age and originality.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire an example of the last genuinely coach built Bentley. Astronomically expensive when new, very few of these cars were sold, but they continue to supply a timelessly elegant and relaxed motoring experience for those who appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering that went into their creation. (Neo Classic Models) This particular example’s appeal is further enhanced by its great patina. Photo: Hans A.
