Beschreibung:

1965 BENTLEY S3 CONTINENTAL FIXED HEAD COUPÉ COACHWORK BY H.J. MULLINER, PARK WARD Registration No. CUV 800C Chassis No. BC 174 XC Engine No. 87 CBC Regal red with magnolia interior Engine: V-8, 6,230cc, overhead valve, c.220bhp at 4,500rpm; Gearbox: four speed automatic; Brakes: hydraulic four wheel drum; Suspension: front, independent coil springs and wishbones, rear semi-elliptic leaf springs. Right hand drive. The third generation S series, was launched in 1962. Except for the adoption of quadruple headlights, it was difficult to differentiate at first glance between the S3 and previous models, but there were numerous technical and superficial changes such as a lower radiator shell, which allowed a more pronounced shape in the bonnet line. The most important changes were in the engine. The reworked cylinder heads were cast from a new alloy that included silicon. Larger HD8 SU carburettors were fitted and the compression ratio was raised to 9:1, with valve timing adjusted accordingly to produce more power from the engine. On the earlier Continentals, [Lots 4 and 7], the coachwork of both the Fastback and Flying Spur is to designs by H.J.Mulliner, an entirely separate entity, but alongside these from the firm of Park Ward, who Rolls-Royce had purchased in 1939, a two door version was also offered. This all changed in 1959, when the company also acquired H.J.Mulliner, and adopted a policy of allowing Mulliner to continue with building the excellent closed bodywork that it had always produced, leaving Park Ward to focus on the Drophead derivative. Under this arrangement the first convertible S2 coachwork design was penned by Norwegian Vilhelm Koren featuring a straight-through wing line and hooded headlamps, at the rear the wing line extended in a finned style over a cluster of tail lights. To bring this design into full production, Park Ward relied heavily on the methods that they had used in aviation work, with extensive use of welded steel for the frame and panels, creating an extremely strong single bodywork structure. From the advancement in coachbuilding practices, retrospectively it is clear to see how this led to the first unitary construction Rolls-Royce five years later. When in turn the S Series received its second major revision, the twin headlights presented a challenge to be incorporated into the Koren Drophead Coupé. Whilst options considered were to position them vertically, this was eventually overcome by a far more attractive choice of slightly inclining them. By this time H.J Mulliner and Park Ward were sharing coachbuilding premises at the latter's original works in Willesden, and although in the earliest days of the S3 it was possible to purchase a H.J. Mulliner two door car, just a handful were built before it was elected that the Continental Coupé should also be to the Koren design, and so the model was born. One later addition to the style was a chrome strip along the side of the bodywork, which enhanced the look of the Bentley, as evidenced by this car. BC 174 XC was completed at the end of 1964, and delivered new to a G. Biggs of Leigh, Nr. Reigate, registered as CUV 800C, on 1st January 1965. The factory build-sheets note the Bentley to have been supplied in Regal red livery and upholstered in off-white trim, electric windows and a radio are the only noted additions to standard specification. The old green logbook, with the car, confirms Elton Hercules John to have been the second recorded keeper of the Continental, being acquired by him at the beginning of November 1976. Whilst in Sir Elton John's ownership, this Bentley has been maintained by Weybridge Automobiles, who it is understood, restored the car some years ago. At the time, the work carried out on the car included respraying to the original paintwork colour and re-upholstering in magnolia, piped in corresponding dark red. During restoration, air conditioning was fitted, as was a Stereo, which has subsequently been updated to a moder