By late 1962 the success of the S Series Continental Bentleys entered its third and final chapter, with the introduction of the S3 Continental. The major cosmetic change was the introduction of the twin headlight system, providing Bentley drivers with more illumination. Mechanically speaking the S3 Continental was very similar to the S2 Continental but benefited from having larger carburettors fitted and an upgraded power steering system. 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 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.

Chassis No BC86XE is forty-ninth of fifty-eight cars built-in right-hand drive to Design No 2006 by Mulliner/Park Ward. It was originally completed in Sylvan green over dark green with a black everflex hood and black leather interior. The coachwork also had J.R.C. in monogram style in gold paint to both doors at the request of the first owner. Chassis No BC86XE was also specified with a power hood, power windows and lockable pockets in each door. The completed car was delivered in November 1965 to its first owner, Mr J.R.Charlesworth of Edgbaston in Birmingham.

It is understood that the second owner purchased the car in London and shipped it to his home in West Palm Beach in Florida where it remained for around forty years, being maintained by Vantage Motor Works in Miami.

The third owner purchased the car in 2002 having seen the car at Vantage during a visit. After some prep work, the car was then shipped to his home in the Bahamas where he used it until around 2009.

The car returned to Florida in early 2009 where it underwent a body off, ground up, full restoration at Michaelian Restorations in Stuart Florida. Almost three years later and at a cost in excess of $300,000, the car was completed to the very highest standards. The file that accompanies the car documents the process with a large number of invoices and an extensive photographic record of the works carried out.

The car was sold in 2018 to the present owner who has used it sparingly ever since. The condition today is almost identical to when the extensive restoration was completed. Quite simply, this is the best example we have ever seen. The cosmetic aspects are in concours condition, whilst the driving experience cannot be faulted. It is complete with a very tastefully and subtly installed air conditioning system, handbook and tools (small and large) A superb example of this increasingly popular model.

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