Today we are delighted to offer for sale this exceptional 1963 Bentley S3 Saloon.

The Model

The Bentley S3 Saloon requires little introduction. Introduced in 1962, it was the final evolution of Bentley’s elegant “S-Series” cars. Externally, it retained the classic, stately lines of its predecessors but was distinguished by its twin-headlamp front design, giving it a more modern appearance. Under the bonnet, it carried forward the 6.2-litre aluminium V8 engine first seen in the S2, paired with a smooth automatic transmission, offering effortless performance. Inside, the S3 continued Bentley’s tradition of hand-crafted luxury, with fine wood veneers, leather upholstery, and high levels of refinement. Produced until 1965, it marked the end of the separate-chassis era before the arrival of the unibody Bentley T-Series, making it both a technical and stylistic milestone in Bentley history.

Vehicle History
In its 62 years of existence, this motor car has only seen three owners. As expected, each owner has looked after the vehicle for long periods of time, with the most recent owner having carried our a thorough coachwork and interior restoration, to ensure the car presents incredibly well today.

The history file is simply fascinating and includes documentation throughout the car's life. It starts with the original typed invoice of sale from Jack Barclay Limited for the princely sum of £5,510 - 19 shillings and 2 pence, inclusive of options. The original owner part-exchanged a Jaguar Mk VII Saloon at £370 for a healthy upgrade to the Bentley. There is also an undated (but believed to be early) photo included in the file of the car in its original burgundy colour.

Documentation from the first owner, Mr Ward, is relatively limited. There is an invoice dated 1988 for a check and report by Jack Barclay Service, presumably in readiness for sale to its next owner. Notes on file suggest that between 1963 and 1989, the car was maintained by Jack Barclay Service; however, only one invoice has survived in the file.

Thankfully, the next owner, Mr Harrison, was fastidious with documentation. He lived in Hong Kong, with the car stored in Bedfordshire, UK. Mr Harrison kept records of all his correspondence between himself and those who cared for the vehicle in his absence. It is clear that the owner wanted the car kept in good condition, ready for the three weeks per year he was back in the UK where he would use the car. Correspondence includes details of trips to Goodwood in the car and his feedback to the storage company regarding general niggles, which were remedied generally through Hillier Hill the Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists.

In 1996, what began as some light restoration work due to corrosion to the sills led to further inspection. The customer was offered two options for repainting the car: i) minimal strip and full repaint, or ii) full strip to bare metal with all glass removed and do the job properly, but at over double the cost. The customer decided to go the whole hog and opted for the full bare-metal respray, choosing Rolls-Royce Oxford Blue and further opting to have the headlining replaced at the same time. Following completion of the project, the characterful owner remarked in his correspondence: “The Duchess looks resplendent in her new frock, warms the cockles of me 'eart.”

Following over ten years of storing the vehicle, the owner retired and moved to Suffolk, where he accommodated the car at his home address. Whilst under his care, the car continued to be pampered and received consistent attention at a local garage, all well documented.

The next and current keeper took ownership in 2014. Where the previous keeper was happy to maintain the car ingood condition, this new owner was keen to ensure it was the very best example. He brought the car to us (known as Royce Engineering at the time) to look after and embarked upon nearly £40,000 of work within the first year of ownership, this included brake, suspension and engine bay component overhaul. This work brought the car to a highly usable condition for the owner, who then enjoyed it for a number of years.

After a number of years of motoring, the owner decided to embark upon a full, yet sympathetic coachwork and interior restoration, including all chrome and wood being refurbished. As part of the restoration, the owner opted to fit airconditioning, all carried out sympathetically of course and with specific care taken to retain originality throughout. All in, the restoration was completed in 2024 and came to over £100,000, leaving the car today as probably the finest example of this model while retaining its air of originality.

Summary
In short, we have for sale one of the finest Bentley S3 Saloons on the market today. We believe the car represents remarkable value by the fact that bringing any other S3 up to this standard would cost significantly more. It comes with a well-documented history, stored in personalised files complementary to the car,and has only had three keepers. This car is as good an S3 as you are everlikely to find and is ready to be driven, shown, or whatever adventures youhave in store for it.

The car is available for viewing by appointment. Please do call to book, I would be delighted to show you around the car and let you peruse its fascinating file.

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