Story and History

Brilliant history file
Immaculate car
1 of only 68 made

Here our newest S3, chassis BC86XB. A 1964 Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur, resplendent in Royal Blue. This right-hand drive model is one of a mere 68 S3 versions ever crafted, marking it as an exclusive part of Bentley's rich automotive history.

BC86XB's journey began when it was delivered in rolling chassis form to HJ Mulliner on 7th August 1963, as few were. After six months of meticulous craftsmanship, BC86XB found its first home with Mr D Mackinnon of Burford on 11th February 1964. As the file shows she was originally Dusk Grey, with a Scarlet Leather interior with several options including electronically operated windows, electrical Ariel, and £4.10 for a full tank of fuel!

She was traded soon after and in '66 a chap named G.C. Griffiths traded his brand new Aston Martin DB5 in for her. He had the car taken to Jack Barclay to attend some teething issues shortly after. The car then has a very well documented service history, detailing works carried out with original documentation.

Over the years, BC86XB has been the beneficiary of significant and careful maintenance. Most recently in 2017, the engine underwent a comprehensive rebuild at a cost of £25,000, with a detailed photographic record kept of the process. In 2018, a Bentley Specialist conducted an extensive check-over and performed all necessary works, costing £10,000.

In 2019, BC86XB received the "Highly Commended" award at the BDC Concours d'Elegance at Salon Prive, Blenheim Palace. It has also graced the pages of numerous magazines, adding to its well-documented history.

BC86XB has been known to us since the 1990s when it was purchased by Graeme while working at Jack Barclay Ltd, and used on a daily basis (quite the look!). After a three-month period of use, Graeme sent her into the workshop for full fettling prior to sale. At that time a full bare metal repaint was undertaken in Oxford.

Graeme recalls that the interior veneers were also re-varnished whilst the rear seats were those originally fitted by Mulliner whilst those in the front had been expertly retrimmed to match the rears.

She was sold quickly out of the Berkeley Square Showrooms to a very nice chap who continued to use JB for servicing.

BC86XB has two large leather history folders, full of documentation and MOTs, original Tax discs, and lots of receipts for works. She is in excellent condition, with the four-speed automatic gearbox functioning seamlessly, and the engine silently purring when driving around town. The interior boasts a beautifully patinated red leather and well preserved woodwork.

This Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur, BC86XB, is a significant piece of Bentley's history, demonstrating the brand's unwavering commitment to quality. The S3 was a great leap forward and these cars are growing in interest year by year. It stands ready for continued use and promises to be a valuable addition to any collection.