The Bentley S3 was introduced in 1962 and was the final iteration of Bentley's S Series motor cars, being produced until 1965. At first glance the all new S3 appeared to most to simply be an S2 with different headlamps, however this wasn’t the case. The S3 maintained much of the mechanical foundation of the S2 but featured some changes. The S3 was fitted with larger carburettors, improved power steering to allow smoother movement at parking speed and a Lucas vacuum-advance distributor to aid fuel consumption making it superior to its predecessor and almost identical in mechanical specification to the S3 Continental that was being produced at the same time.
The introduction of the twin headlamps was clearly the most obvious external change, but the differences did not end there. Further changes included the fitting of smaller bumper over riders and the repositioning of the front indicators and side lamps into one single unit on the front wing, resulting in an arguably more attractive appearance.
The interior of the Bentley S3 was a hallmark of traditional British luxury, featuring beautifully finished woodwork, Connolly leather upholstery, and Wilton carpets, only the best would do. It was equipped with electric windows and air conditioning was available as an optional feature. The front seats were redesigned to provide more space and comfort, with a deeper seat squab and more leg room for passengers.
The S3 arrived during a time when Bentley was emphasizing a more modern aesthetic, and whilst it didn’t introduce a completely new platform, the subtle enhancements made it more refined and advanced than the S2. Over 1,200 factory-built saloons were produced at Crewe making it a very successful final chapter of the basic coachwork design that had originated over a decade before.
As before with the S1 and S2, the S3 was also offered in Continental form with a range of coachbuilt bodies offered to Bentleys discerning clientele. The two major coachbuilding firms of H.J.Mulliner and Park Ward were by this time both owned by Rolls-Royce and the decision was taken to amalgamate the two companies, forming the new company known as Mulliner/Park Ward. Although the complete range of coachbuilt cars produced by Mulliner/Park Ward were badged as such, former H.J.Mulliner designs and Park Ward designs were continued and allowed to develop further on the S3 Continental chassis.
The former H.J.Mulliner design designated the Flying Spur was offered once again and their very attractive S2 Continental coupe was also continued albeit in very limited numbers onto the S3 Continental chassis, with some amendments.
The success of the Vilhelm Koren designed Bentley S2 Continental had pleased the powers that be at Park Ward and his design was adapted for the S3 Continental chassis, with the introduction of twin headlights. The coachwork did not lend itself happily to horizontal headlights, so they were instead positioned on a slight slant. Vilhelm Koren originally designed both a fixed head coupe and a drophead coupe on the S2 Continental chassis, but the fixed head coupe was never produced. However, on the S3 Continental chassis, both designs were available, with both fixed head (Design No 2035) and drophead (Design No 2006) being produced in very similar numbers.
James Young who were still independently owned and not part of Rolls-Royce completed the options available, with a pair of beautiful fixed head coupes and eighteen very stylish sports saloons on the S3 Continental chassis.
The S3 marked the end of a major chapter for Bentley, representing the culmination of decades of classic postwar luxury motor car design. It was the last of the medium sized cars built to the traditional body on chassis method before Bentley transitioned to the more modern construction style with the introduction of the T Series. The S3 will probably be best remembered as the model that ushered in subtle modernizations like the introduction of twin headlights. It was the end of an era, and what an era it had been.
Thoughts from Frank Dale
The Bentley S3 is a car that often divides opinion aesthetically speaking with the introduction of the twin headlights. Some love them, some do not, but they certainly demand attention and should be recognised as perhaps the most usable and comfortable post war classic Bentley model produced. When correctly prepared they are a superb car to drive, as smooth as silk and with considerable power at the driver’s disposal.
The coachbuilt options perhaps divide opinion even more than the standard cars, especially when considering the coupes and drophead coupes by Mulliner/Park Ward with slanted twin headlights. From our perspective they have gained in popularity and value over the past decade, and we think they will continue to do so.
The 1950’s and early to mid-1960’s represent a golden era of motor car production with some of the finest cars of all time produced by the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Ferrari and many more. In our opinion few came better than the Bentley Continentals of this period, when considering style, build quality and the driving experience they provided to their owners. The S3 Continental was a wonderful final chapter for Bentley during this time, and saw them sign off on a high note.