Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 126
1963 Bentley S3 Continental Drophead Coupé Coachwork by Park Ward Chassis no. BC48LXA
Estimate: €320,000 - €360,000
Lot 126
Original left-hand drive, delivered new to Brussels, ex-Devis and Blaton families
1963 Bentley S3 Continental Drophead Coupé
1963 Bentley S3 Continental Drophead Coupé
1963 Bentley S3 Continental Drophead Coupé
Coachwork by Park Ward
Chassis no. BC48LXA
Coachwork by Park Ward
Chassis no. BC48LXA
• One of a mere 26 left-hand drive drophead coupés
• The only example delivered new to Belgium
• Ordered new by Mr Alexandre Devis
• Ex-Aldo Blaton
• Extensive history file
• The ultimate Grande Routière of its day
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. Quad headlamps were the S3's major styling innovation, and on many of the H J Mulliner, Park Ward-bodied Continentals were contained in slanting nacelles, giving rise to these models' 'Chinese Eye' sobriquet. Fog lights were still fitted, but these no longer also functioned as flashing indicators; instead, the indicators on the new models were incorporated into redesigned sidelights, positioned on the front of the wings.
Headlamps aside, the most significant change was to the S3's engine, which boasted an increased compression ratio, larger carburettors, and a Lucas vacuum-advance distributor, modifications that raised peak power by some 7%. There was also improved power steering to ease manoeuvring at parking speeds. A further minor change was the adoption of smaller bumper over-riders and a slightly reduced radiator height of about 1.5 inches, giving a sloping bonnet line and improving forward vision. Individual front seats and arm rests became a standard feature, and more powerful lighting and additional indication lights and switches on the instrument panel were introduced, presenting a far more modern feel to the last of the S-Type Bentleys. The S3 is perhaps the ultimate post-war Bentley in terms of appearance, performance and practicality, as well as the last medium sized Bentley to be offered with custom coachwork.
In total, 80 Bentley S3 Continentals were built with left-hand drive, 26 of them bodied as drophead coupés like 'BC48LXA', which is the only one delivered new to Belgium. The Continental was ordered by the Devis family, who owned a successful foundry business in Belgium. Copy build sheets on file show that the car was ordered with various special features including the heavy gauge frame; Colonial suspension; 2" longer steering column; additional high-frequency horns; and an electric aerial.
Alexandre Devis must have loved his Bentley as he kept the car for 25-or-so years. In 1991 ownership passed to Mr Aldo Blaton of Brussels. Aldo was the elder brother of racing driver Jean Blaton, better known by his alias 'Beurlys', who was an accomplished endurance racer, finishing on the podium at the Le Mans 24 Hours race on no fewer than five occasions. While owned by Blaton, the Continental was fully restored and repainted in British Racing Green,while the interior was re-trimmed in Burgundy leather by Luppi in Italy.
After Blaton's death, Pedro de A., who lived in Switzerland, bought the Bentley and registered it in the Republic of Ireland for tax purposes (the car never went to Ireland and continued to be used on the Continent). Mr A. had the Continental repainted in Tudor Grey, as it is currently, the works being carried out by Teves Costa Classics of Lisbon, Portugal, while in 2018 some £10,500 was spent on various works by Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists Balmoral UK, including conversion to electronic ignition. Our vendor, a Belgian collector who has known the Continental since it was new, is only its fourth owner in 60 years.
Offering unmatched style, brisk performance and unrivalled luxury in equal measure, the Bentley S3 Continental was the ultimate Grande Routière of its day and even now has the power to impress. Possessing known ownership history from new, and well maintained throughout its life, this sublime Bentley S3 Continental wants only for an appreciative new owner.
• The only example delivered new to Belgium
• Ordered new by Mr Alexandre Devis
• Ex-Aldo Blaton
• Extensive history file
• The ultimate Grande Routière of its day
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. Quad headlamps were the S3's major styling innovation, and on many of the H J Mulliner, Park Ward-bodied Continentals were contained in slanting nacelles, giving rise to these models' 'Chinese Eye' sobriquet. Fog lights were still fitted, but these no longer also functioned as flashing indicators; instead, the indicators on the new models were incorporated into redesigned sidelights, positioned on the front of the wings.
Headlamps aside, the most significant change was to the S3's engine, which boasted an increased compression ratio, larger carburettors, and a Lucas vacuum-advance distributor, modifications that raised peak power by some 7%. There was also improved power steering to ease manoeuvring at parking speeds. A further minor change was the adoption of smaller bumper over-riders and a slightly reduced radiator height of about 1.5 inches, giving a sloping bonnet line and improving forward vision. Individual front seats and arm rests became a standard feature, and more powerful lighting and additional indication lights and switches on the instrument panel were introduced, presenting a far more modern feel to the last of the S-Type Bentleys. The S3 is perhaps the ultimate post-war Bentley in terms of appearance, performance and practicality, as well as the last medium sized Bentley to be offered with custom coachwork.
In total, 80 Bentley S3 Continentals were built with left-hand drive, 26 of them bodied as drophead coupés like 'BC48LXA', which is the only one delivered new to Belgium. The Continental was ordered by the Devis family, who owned a successful foundry business in Belgium. Copy build sheets on file show that the car was ordered with various special features including the heavy gauge frame; Colonial suspension; 2" longer steering column; additional high-frequency horns; and an electric aerial.
Alexandre Devis must have loved his Bentley as he kept the car for 25-or-so years. In 1991 ownership passed to Mr Aldo Blaton of Brussels. Aldo was the elder brother of racing driver Jean Blaton, better known by his alias 'Beurlys', who was an accomplished endurance racer, finishing on the podium at the Le Mans 24 Hours race on no fewer than five occasions. While owned by Blaton, the Continental was fully restored and repainted in British Racing Green,while the interior was re-trimmed in Burgundy leather by Luppi in Italy.
After Blaton's death, Pedro de A., who lived in Switzerland, bought the Bentley and registered it in the Republic of Ireland for tax purposes (the car never went to Ireland and continued to be used on the Continent). Mr A. had the Continental repainted in Tudor Grey, as it is currently, the works being carried out by Teves Costa Classics of Lisbon, Portugal, while in 2018 some £10,500 was spent on various works by Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists Balmoral UK, including conversion to electronic ignition. Our vendor, a Belgian collector who has known the Continental since it was new, is only its fourth owner in 60 years.
Offering unmatched style, brisk performance and unrivalled luxury in equal measure, the Bentley S3 Continental was the ultimate Grande Routière of its day and even now has the power to impress. Possessing known ownership history from new, and well maintained throughout its life, this sublime Bentley S3 Continental wants only for an appreciative new owner.
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