1964 Bentley S3 Continental Drophead Coupé

Coachwork by Park Ward Ltd

Footnotes

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 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%.

This Continental drophead coupé was supplied new to Dr F Campbell Golding of Highgate, North London by Weybridge Automobiles in early 1964. Originally registered '7 HYH', it was ordered in Steel Blue with matching interior and convertible top, and was specified with many special features including a power-operated hood, hood cover, electric windows, Irvin seatbelts, luggage straps, and a manually operated aerial. In addition, this car was originally completed to 'King of Denmark' specification. When Dr Campbell Golding visited the Park Ward factory for finalisation of the specification, he saw the King's Continental DHC being prepared, and decided his would have the same the split-bench front seats (lowered by 1") and folding down rear seats forming a flat deck, estate car style. Air conditioning and a CD player have been fitted subsequently.

This car also has the so-called 'Continental Kit' intended to cater for all eventualities that might be encountered when long-distance touring. These include spare lighting bulbs, assorted electrical and ignition parts, hydraulic/braking system spares, fuel system spares, engine oil filter, sundry gaskets and 'O' rings, power assisted steering spares, and miscellaneous engine spares.
The car was used regularly by Dr Campbell during his eight years of ownership, during which time it was maintained by Rolls-Royce Motors. When he sold the car the mileage total was 46,000. The purchaser was Dr Campbell's partner in the practice, Dr Pattinson, a fellow Bentley owner, who bought it via a dealer for financial reasons. Maintenance continued to be undertaken by Rolls-Royce Motors and recognised specialists.

Offered for sale at P J Fischer in 1997 (inspection report on file) the Bentley was purchased from them by Mr John Simpson of Virginia Water, Surrey. The current vendor purchased the car for his wife in 2000 (at 63,000 miles). During the early 2000s the Continental was maintained and restored by Enfield Auto Electrical Ltd (William Medcalf) - recognised Bentley Specialists - at a cost of £45,000.

Renovation included fitting a new mohair hood by S C Gordon, together with air conditioning, new carpets, refurbished interior trim, and re-chromed brightwork, the result being quite lovely. Servicing and annual MoTs were subsequently entrusted to Bentley Berkshire (Pangbourne). Only 100 miles have been covered in the last in seven years, and the odometer reading of circa 66,000 miles represents the genuine mileage from new.

The substantial history files contain service records from new, instruction books, numerous recent MoTs and tax discs, copies of previous history/MoTs, copy build sheet, a V5 registration document, and MoT to February 2018.