A Bentley's mystique transcends common conceptions of quality and performance.
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Adorned by the Flying B atop their distinctive radiator shell, pre-1966 Bentleys were manufactured by old world craftsmen without today's time constraints, to standards and with attention to detail that seem otherworldly nowadays. A Bentley of old was built to last more than one liftime in automotive years; given proper maintenance and sympathetic ownership, it can last more than a human lifetime. Proving this point are the Bentleys from the late 1920s that now fetch millions of dollars at auction.
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Those classic Bentley saloons were motorcars created for affluent Gentlemen drivers who didn't mind taking the volant into their own hands. Less ostentatious than a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud but every bit as splendiferous, the Bentley S-Series has rightfully earned the title of the last "real" Bentley. The unibody cars that came afterward -- on the Silver Shadow platform -- are just shoeboxes that pale in comparison.
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The third and final generation of the design that premiered at the Earl's Court Motor Show in 1955, S3 Bentleys are recognizable by their slightly lower grille shells, twin dual headlamps and reshaped turn signal units. All S3s are powered by the famous 6.23-liter V-8 aluminum alloy engine.
The 1965 Bentley S3 presented here, chassis No. *B138HN*, one of just 1,286 standard Saloons made, is a true survivor from the last year of production. It spent most of its life in California, in the dry Central Valley to be exact, where its Lady owner used her pride and joy sparingly, for representational purposes only.
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Bentley's curvaceous bodywork, penned by J.P. Blatchley, is of imposing elegance. The 212 in.-long car features aluminum alloy doors, trunk lid, and "bonnet" but it's still no lightweight. Compared to a Silver Shadow -- Bentley called it the "T" Series -- the S3 looks much like a British castle next to a pre-fabbed home. Coachwork on this specific example presents itself fantastically well-preserved, free of dings, dents, bubbles or any other signs of corrosion; doors and hoods open and close just like the craftsmen who manufactured this luxury car intended.
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Below the center-hinged, aluminum gullwing bonnet, the powerful, cast aluminum V-8 presents itself immaculately clean, down to the smallest detail. Featuring a nitride-hardened crankshaft with five main bearings, for the S3 the compression was raised to 9.0:1. Larger, two-inch twin SU HD8 carburettors were fitted.
Power output? Seven percent more than earlier models, and to use the standard factory statement: sufficient!
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Most important, however, is to know that these hand-built Bentley V-8s have such precise tolerances, they will run for hundreds of thousands of miles without problems. Doubtful, really, that there is a more durable V-8 engine on the planet.
Needless to say, with only 22,220 miles on the odometer, the Bentley's heart beats strongly, yet silently, due partly to hydraulic valve lifters. Transmission is the virtually indestructible but nonetheless sophisticated GM/RR Hydramatic 4-speed automatic; a receipt for a recent rebuild is included. The car has been serviced for years by the very capable men at British Sports Cars in San Luis Obispo.
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Having been repainted recently at great expense, the traditional two-tone finish -- Peppermint Blue over Agadir Blue -- presents itself superbly smooth and glossy. Brightwork is complete and in very good to excellent condition throughout. Original stainless steel wheel covers complement the GOOD YEAR Arriva whitewall radials in the dimension 225/75-15.
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Let's turn our attention to the Bentley's sumptuous interior now!
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The unmatched olfactory pleasure of a British luxury car, with its unmistakable aromas of fine leather, wood, and wool, is in full evidence here. There is no cheap vinyl or plastic to be found inside the S3. Even the door panels are crafted from thick Connolly hides. Topped with real wood cappings, and accented with heavy duty chrome fittings, they look like intricate works of art, as they are lovingly designed and hand made, just like everything else on this Bentley. By the way, the S3 was the first of the breed to be equipped with power windows.
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The dashboard certainly lives up to its name, being wall-to-wall wood. Not any wood, mind you, only the finest burl walnut was painstakingly finished by hand to create the singularly impressive look of opulence, unmatched by any of the Bentley's contemporary competitors. Wood is in fine, unrestored condition throughout, free of any water damage or heat blistering.
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Classic SMITHS instruments, factory radio and speaker.
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Everything is original here, from the Wilton carpeting to the Light Grey Connolly leather on the seats. Now 47 years old, the leather sports lots of character, irreplaceable patina, and gentle wear; just like the Duke of Windsor's favorite tweed jacket with those leather elbow patches, this is quite charming and suits a traditional Bently extremely well. We wouldn't change a thing here.
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Truly a passenger compartment fit for royalty! The leather is still supple, mind you, just patinated. We love it! Wool headliner has a rip/hole near the rear window.
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Clickable photos above show distinctive areas of the interior in great detail. From the crystal dome lamp lenses and aluminum safety belt buckles, to the traditional wooden picnic tables, the Bentley's cockpit offers a plethora of retinal delights.
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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we start, let's inspect trunk and undercarriage closely.
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Bentley is able to haul lots of luggage -- or baggage, depending which side of the pond you live on. Everything looks nice and clean, and there's no rust or damage anywhere.
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Removing trunk mat reveals wooden partition.
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Healthy spare compartment with all factory finishes in marvelous condition. Note vintage bias-ply spare and factory plug-in flashlight.
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Last of the body-on-frame Bentleys, this particular S3 features like-new, straight frame rails and a rust free undercarriage. The latter fact is especially important, as these big cars were made before the advent of universally-applied rust proofing, and corrosion can be an old Bentley's Number One enemy! No worries here, the car having been stored in a dry climate for decades. Ownership of a luxury conveyance like a Bentley should not be complicated by the need for expensive rust repair; if you encounter a rusty Brit for sale, run, don't walk away! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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A few additional photos of the car's underbelly, for the automobile archaeolgists among you.
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Wednesday, September 5, turned out to be another fabulous day here in our old Mission town San Buenaventura, just right for a trip down memory lane in the S3.
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The Bentley S3 is a driver's car, its majestic appearance notwithstanding. Equipped with the superior V-8, independent front suspension (IRS) and all the power amenities one could wish for, with generous legroom and an elevated seating position, on par with SUV operators, the S3 is perfectly suited to glide through traffic like the Titanic riding on a cloud.
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Once seated behind the black Bakelite volant, one enters the realm of the untouchable, a dimension apart from the profanity of ordinary life. Driving Bentley's finest is a vacation from the harshness of work and life; everything happens silently and without the need to confirm. Other motorists signal their hushed approval and go out of their way to catch a quick look at who's driving. Perhaps a bit more understated than a Rolls Royce, albeit of the same gene pool, a Bentley respectfully represents, not bluntly in any way.
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Returning home, we are in awe of the saloon's capabilitiy to transport its passengers to a higher realm, where the issues and niggles of everyday life fade away into nothingness and pure enjoyment of the here and now, the reality of driving one of the finest automobiles ever conceived, remains.
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S3s of the final iteration, with their distinctive dual headlamps, come to market very infrequently. To find a rust free example that has lived in sunny California for decades, sports an exciting color combination, and is ready to be enjoyed, is almost like winning the lottery.
Addendum:
We sold this Bentley in Fall of 2012.
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