1963 Bentley S3 Continental Sports Saloon

• One of only 12 in this particular style
• Present ownership since 1979
• Substantial restoration carried out by Rolls-Royce in 1990/1991
• Only being sold due to lack of use

"In the twilight of their coachbuilding years, James Young had with these cars reached the pinnacle of excellence." - Martin Bennett, Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

Despite the popularity of the 'standard steel' bodywork, introduced when production of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars resumed after WW2, a steadily declining number of independent coachbuilders continued to offer alternatives. Arguably the most stylish were those produced to clothe the Bentley Continental which, of course, was only ever available with bespoke coachwork. One of the most prominent of these surviving firms was James Young, a company that had established itself among the foremost coachbuilders for upmarket chassis by the end of the 1930s. The Bromley-based carriage-maker had bodied its first automobile in 1908, affiliating itself with a succession of quality marques throughout the 1920s and 1930s before being acquired by the Jack Barclay Group in 1937. Its factory devastated by wartime bombing, the company did not resume exhibiting at the London Motor Shows until 1948, continuing to offer coachbuilt designs of distinction on (mainly) Rolls-Royce and Bentley chassis until the arrival of the unitary construction Silver Shadow/T-Series range in the 1960s. A lack of suitable chassis would force the firm's closure before the 'Sixties decade ended, but in its declining years James Young produced what are widely recognised as its finest creations, this beautiful four-door Bentley Continental among them.
The Continental had begun life exclusively as a two-door car but in 1957 H J Mulliner was sanctioned to build a four-door design on the S1 Continental chassis, this elegant six-light model being known as the 'Flying Spur'. James Young of Bromley responded with its own equally appealing four-light, four-door saloon design, which was later revised in six-light style, continuing on the V8-engined S2 and S3 Continental chassis virtually unaltered apart from changes made to accommodate the latter's quartet of headlamps.

Delivered in September 1963, right-hand drive chassis number 'BC32XB' is one of only 12 bodied in this four-door style by James Young, which ceased coachbuilding soon after. The car was originally registered '300 YKT' and first owned by one W Stromeyer. Purchased from Robbins of Putney on 11th September 1979, it has been in the vendors' ownership for well over 40 years. The vendors' considerable professional activities have seen the Bentley used very little over the last few years, other than for servicing and MoTs. We are advised that it ran very nicely a few weeks ago when everything seemed to be in good working order, but no professional inspection has been made prior to auction. Due to its lack of activity, the vendors feel that now is the time for the car to go to someone who will use it.

There is some history from the early days of the current ownership: E E Beaumont of Pinner carried out bodywork repairs and a complete repaint in 1981/1982, while substantial other restoration works were carried out by Rolls-Royce at Crewe in 1990/1991 (records available). Thereafter the Continental has been serviced and repaired as required, but the vendors have not kept a file of over 40 years' worth of invoices, etc. However, Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists have been used throughout. The interior is in original condition.

Finished in dark blue with grey leather interior, this rare four-door Continental is described as in generally good condition and offered with a V5C registration document, a handbook, and the aforementioned restoration records.