Beschreibung:

1964 BENTLEY S3 CONTINENTAL DROPHEAD COUPÉ COACHWORK BY H.J.MULLINER, PARK WARD Registration No. OLP 8 Chassis No. BC 102 XC Engine No. 51 CBC Dark metallic blue with magnolia interior Engine: V-8, 6,230cc, overhead valve, c.220bhp at 4,500rpm; Gearbox: four speed automatic; Brakes: four wheel drum, hydraulic front, mechanical rear; Suspension: front, independent by coil springs, rear, semi-elliptic leaf springs. Right hand drive. As recorded in the description for Lot 12, the second update to the Continental chassis and coachwork arrived at the end of 1962, and by now the favoured choice of bodywork was the revised Koren design with straight through wing line. Built at the Willesden works that had formerly been the site of Park Ward, the products of the fully merged coachbuilding firms were now badged as H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward The third in the line of S Series Convertibles, was in may people's eyes the best. Through the development of its predecessor and addition of twin headlights, the styling had by now been perfected. Later examples such as this were fitted with a chrome strip along the side of the bodywork as well as slightly flared wheel arch mouldings, which provided a more balanced profile for the Bentley. A further inherent benefit in the construction of both this and the S2, due to its rear suspension layout, was the large space that was available for the hood to sit in, such that the Continental had compact and clean lines even when the hood was lowered. When all these factors were combined with the entirely re-designed interior that had debuted in the Convertible, with new anatomically designed seats and revised dashboard layout, the result was simply stunning. A fabulous all weather four seater car, in every respect, the S3 conjured thoughts of the Continental touring its model name suggested. Delivered new in April 1964, this S3 was supplied to agents R.S. Mead Ltd of Maidenhead. The original build-sheets record only basic details of the specification, noting that it had a power-operated hood, electric windows and a hood cover, and that its livery was Sand coachwork with red upholstery. The early history is also detailed until 1967, by which time it had been sold through Jack Barclay Ltd. to George Hensher Ltd of London, E9. Twelve years later, the Bentley was purchased by Elton John, from a London dealer. Still in its original colours, it was used for a few years without additional work, and is known to have been taken to Paris on occasions in the early 1980s when Elton rented an apartment there. However, these journeys highlighted its weaknesses, and a decision was made to restore the car so that it could be more usable. This was therefore the first car to have a restoration commissioned at Weybridge Automobiles, it is understood that Elton John initially wanted the car to be repainted white, but was later advised to go for the current metallic blue paintwork. At the same time, the interior was refurbished with magnolia hide, and the hood renewed in magnolia 'Everflex', whilst where necessary the mechanicals were rebuilt. On recent inspection the S3 was found to have worn its restoration quite well, but is showing some signs of age, and the electric hood may require attention. As with all his cars a modern CD player has been discreetly fitted, but the car otherwise appears to be to standard specification. The Bentley is sold with copies of the original factory specification sheets and is ready to use with a current MoT and road tax. The headlight configuration styling of the S3 Continentals earned them the colloquialism of 'Chinese Eye' models. In the collection this has caused them to be referred to by Sir Elton and his staff as the 'Chinese Lanterns', and the Convertible is also more regularly known as OloP, a reference to its registration number. Sir Elton John said that he particularly likes these two models [Lots 12 & 14] and described them as 'classic cars' . John Newman Sir Elton's fleet man