1965 Bentley S3 Drophead Coupe Conversion

Description

From a deceased estate; magnificent machine converted into a Mulliner-style drophead many years ago; extensively restored a dozen years ago; the best Christmas present anyone could ever want!

“The latest Bentley model offers a degree of safety, comfort and performance that is beyond the experience – and perhaps even the imagination – of the majority of the world’s motorists,” gushed Autocar when the Bentley S-Type came out in 1955. "It's a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distances and delivers the occupants well-nigh as fresh as when they started."

Powered initially by a 4.9-litre straight-six, this was replaced with a much more effective all-alloy 6.2-litre V8 in the S2 model which appeared in 1959. Startlingly rapid for a stately home on wheels, it could surge to 60mph in under 12 seconds on its way to a top speed of 115mph – performance that could embarrass many contemporary sports cars.

Things got even better in October 1962 with the launch of the S3 at the Paris Motor Show. Outwardly very similar to the S2, the most obvious difference was the impressive quad-headlamp layout that paved the way for the radically new Bentley T1 in 1965. The interior was modified with individual seats for front passengers and increased leg room in the rear. It also had a higher compression engine and twin 2-inch SU carbs which added another 15bhp and reduced the 0-60 dash to under 11 seconds. Power steering and a Hydramatic 4-speed automatic gearbox now came as standard.

Production of the Bentley S3 included 1,286 on the standard chassis and a further 32 long wheelbase versions. The final S3 was delivered in 1966, when the new (and much less imposing) Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley T-series became available.

First registered in June 1965, this spectacular S3 started out in life as a Saloon, the factory build card showing that it was finished in Shell Grey over Black Pearl with a blue hide interior and was supplied new via Dex Automobiles Ltd of Northumberland to first owner PD Christie Esq, a shipping tycoon in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

It is unclear when it got converted into a Drophead but it is believed that the work was carried out by Pilkington Coachworks who are known to have rebodied several Rolls-Royce Silver Clouds in this HJ Mulliner Drophead Coupe style in the 1980s. A major job which not only involved chopping the roof off but also completely remaking the sides of the car to accommodate two doors instead of four.   

There is evidence in the file that the Bentley was in the USA for a period of time in the 1980s and then brought back to the UK c.1990. It may have been converted by Pilkington specifically for the American market - who knows? The electric hood is powered by a switch under the steering column and seemed to operate nicely when taking these photographs, folding the frame snugly behind the rear seats.

During the early 2000s, it seems to have a regular MOT history but no big invoices. The big expenditure came in 2015/2016 when it was the subject of a painstaking restoration to the highest standard. This included replacing the lower sections of the rear wings with custom made panels; the inner and outer wheel arches; the hood well and boot floor; and the rear body mounts. New flexible brake hoses were also fitted, along with anti-burst door locks, as per the original Mulliner model.

On completion of the body repairs, the S3 was taken back to bare metal and repainted in the graceful tone of Bentley Venusian Grey. The refurbishment was completed by the installation of a new hood and carpets.

The current owner acquired the car shortly afterwards to join his collection of vintage and classic cars. On offer here from a deceased estate, it is one of a number of cars from that collection which we have been selling over the last couple of years, including the Jaguar MkX Convertible and the Rolls-Royce 25/30 elsewhere in this auction.

ORH 10 has been dry stored during his ownership but not regularly driven – the last MOT was issued in April 2021 which it passed with no advisories, and it has only covered around 150 miles since.

Erring on the safe side, we have not attempted to start the car but there is power, which does operate the windows and the hood, and does turn the engine. Given the lack of recent use, a precautionary check-over would be advisable before the car is returned to the road once more.

An immensely glamourous machine, this unique Bentley Drophead has road presence and elegance in spades and will bring a great deal of pleasure to its fortunate new owner. Go on, it's Christmas soon and you deserve it!

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