Titans of the coachbuilding world H J Mulliner, Park Ward, and James Young all offered their interpretations on Bentley's Continental S2 chassis, which were subsequently carried over to the S3. By far the most striking of those coachbuilt Continentals were those bodied by Park Ward, Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder. Featuring distinctive quad headlamps, the most significant change was to the S3's engine, which boasted an increased compression ratio and larger carburettors. The 6 litre overhead-valve V8 produces around 205bhp, through a four-speed automatic transmission, while its four-wheel Girling drum brakes bring it to a gentle, yet reassuring, standstill. This car also demonstrates the Bentley/Rolls-Royce signature ride comfort, thanks to its independent front and live axle with semi-elliptical leaf spring rear suspension.

This beautiful Bentley's original owner, Lawrence S. Reed, commissioned it from Rolls-Royce of New York in the spring of 1964 after selling his company, the Texas Gulf Producing Company, for $253 million. Originally finished in classic Tudor Grey over grey leather, he specified a Blaupunkt radio (no longer with the car), electric windows and aerial, plain Sundym glass all around, and whitewall tires. By 2002, the Bentley was in the ownership of Lucy Dahl, a Los Angeles-based screenwriter and the daughter of renowned author Roald Dahl. After six years it was acquired by a gentleman who exported the car to Kuwait, where it remained on static display until our vendor purchased it in 2021. Since then, he has kept the car in an underground garage in central London, adding another 'dry' climate to its history file.

The history file for the car is not complete and at some point it was refinished in black, with a tan leather interior and fitted with a cassette radio and air conditioning. Our vendor has carried out lots of mechanical work, totalling over £16,000 since acquiring the car and also fitted a new starter motor. The engine, while not the car's original, starts and runs smoothly and quietly as a Bentley of this era should. Our vendor informs us that the rev counter is not currently operational. The leather and dash are in good condition, the former remaining supple, as should be expected for a 'gentleman's express'. With a provenance spanning numerous countries and some reassuring recent mechanical work, this Bentley S3 is sensibly estimated and ready for its next custodian. Consigned by Charlie McCreery.

Lot details
Year: 1965
Make: Bentley
Model: S3 Continental Coupe
Registration: JWE 859C
Chassis No: BC90LXC
Odometer: 12,662

* Dry-stored and well-maintained throughout its life
* Previously owned by Lucy Dahl, daughter of Roald Dahl