1965 Bentley S3 Saloon

• One of 1,286 made
• Present ownership since 1986
• One former keeper
• Restored 2017-2018

Facing increasing competition from faster rivals and with development of its ageing six-cylinder engine nearing its end, Rolls-Royce had turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached. The V8 was, of course, the predominant power unit in Rolls-Royce's most important export market - the USA - so it was only natural that the Crewe firm would study the best American designs - principally those of Chrysler and Cadillac - for inspiration. Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their 'Cloud and S-Type predecessors, though the duo's performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc aluminium-alloy V8 engine. Although wider and shorter than the 'six' it replaced, the new power unit fitted relatively easily within the engine bay, relocation of the steering box from inside to outside of the chassis frame being the most obvious alteration to the previous arrangements. Externally the new models appeared virtually unchanged, while beneath the skin Rolls-Royce's own four-speed automatic transmission was now the only one on offer and power steering had been standardised.
In 1962 the new V8 engine appeared in improved form in the Bentley S3 and its Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III equivalent, incorporating larger carburettors, a new distributor, and raised compression ratio. There were many other changes made to the S3/Cloud III, the most obvious being the adoption of a four-headlamp lighting arrangement, the absence of sidelights from the wing tops, and a slightly lower radiator shell. Inside the new models featured revised accommodation with separate front seats and increased room for rear passengers. The last mainstream Bentley to employ a separate chassis, the S3 remained in production until superseded by the unitary construction T-Series in late 1965, by which time 1,286 cars had been made compared with 2,556 of the equivalent Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III.
This Bentley S3 saloon was acquired in 1986 having had one former keeper. Accompanying paperwork consists mainly of numerous invoices issued during 2017 and 2018 relating to what appears to be a no-expense-spared restoration (inspection recommended). Described by the vendor as in good condition throughout, the car is offered with an original handbook and a V5C document.