Story and History

1964 Bentley S3 Continental by HJ Mulliner / Park Ward
Known history & mileage

Known as the Chinese Eye, from the styling of the front end with the headlights angled at a slight incline, these Continentals were very much ahead of the game in their day - further advanced than the previous offerings on Continental chassis and even today they elicit strong views

We are very much 'in favour' and have owned a few for ourselves over the years and nowadays they are for more accepted than in the past

Ferociously expensive when new, only the very comfortably off could even consider buying such a car, and hence only 74 or so were ever delivered in RHD (think of the recent "limited editions" from Bentley or even Ferrari with numbers well north of 500) and the Chinese Eye was not a Limited Edition ..........

Our smart example has a full review of owners since new, firstly being Sir William Beale who purchased her from none other than my old Company, Jack Barclay

From there until 2010, when the last owner took command, there were 8 previous owners - although two of those were motor dealers whose names were registered with the DVLA for only a few months each

Moreover the history folder records the mileage after 10 years on the road at 92.500 miles suggesting that this would have been correct and thereafter, there is a trail to confirm the indicated mileage of today at 136.750 as validated

During these intervening years there has been an engine and gearbox overhaul only 12.500 miles ago (see the image of the oil pressure with engine hot) carried out by the renowned Dennis Pilling & Son, which translates to the road magnificently with instant starting (hot and cold) followed by the most vivid acceleration I can recall from a car of this type

Similarly she was stripped and repainted from her original green to the current Cardinal Red in the late 1980's at the cost of £17.000 (in today's money we would suggest a conservative £50.000 - so a proper job)

All veneers were restored only a few years ago, as were new carpets and general leather refurbishment

Chrome items have been attended to as required, she has new tyres, electric window mechanisms, radiator core, steering box, master cylinder and etc

Even the original Webasto roof has been overhauled and works with ease

For peace of mind we have checked the underside for corrosion, as this particular model does suffer, and all is well - although, as a secondary safety check, we have also had a fresh MoT issued from another independent source

So all in all, a fine example, with known history and mileage, looking rather magnificent both inside and out looking for someone else to take command