LOT Burley Auction Group  /  ANTIQUE CAR & MEMORABILIA AUCTION  / 

152

1964 Bentley S3 Saloon Chassis No. B52CN

Currency:USD Category:Vehicles Start Price:32,500.00 USD Estimated At:65,000.00 - 120,000.00 USD
1964 Bentley S3 Saloon Chassis No. B52CN
All items sold as is where is. See photos for condition, email info@burleyauction.com or call 830-629-9280 (Prior to sale day) if you have specific condition questions.

BUYER'S PREMIUM: 10%BP on motor vehicles, 20% BP on all non-motor vehicle items, Plus 5% for online bidders.

Winning bidders will receive an invoice on or before end-of-day TUESDAY following the auction. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM/JUNK EMAIL FOLDER.
From the Seller: "The S3 marked the end of an era as it was the last production luxury sedan from Bentley with body-on-frame construction. The Bentley S3 was the last model of British manufacturer’s S Series which was in production for a decade. The S3 replaced the S2 in 1962 and, in turn, was replaced by 1965 with the T-Series Bentley which was also a close relative to the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. The S Series came as a replacement for the antiquated R Type which had been in production since shortly after the war but was largely based on pre-war designs. The S3 is, thus, the last of the truly classic Bentleys, so it’s only fitting that the car is one of the most elegant ever to come out with the Flying B on the hood. Performance is not that relevant on such a car but what matters, the comfort of the ride, is there aplenty. You won’t feel a bump in the road aboard the S3 even if you want to. Facing increasing competition from faster rivals and with the development of its aging six-cylinder engine nearing its end, Rolls-Royce and Bentley turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached. The V8 was, of course, the predominant power unit in the company's most important export market - the USA - so it was only natural that the Crewe firm would study the best American designs - principally those of Chrysler and Cadillac - for inspiration. Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their 'Cloud and S-Type predecessors, though the duo's performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc aluminum-alloy V8 engine. In 1962, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III and its Bentley S3 equivalent debuted, with an increase in power and performance - through larger carburetors, a new distributor, and raised compression ratio - and came with a four-speed GM-derived automatic transmission as standard equipment. Most obvious among many changes from the preceding models was the adoption of four-headlamp lighting and a slightly lower radiator shell. Inside there was improved accommodation with separate front seats and increased room for rear passengers. Notable as the last mainstream Rolls-Royce/Bentley to employ a separate chassis, the Silver Cloud III and S3 proved immensely successful both at home and abroad, remaining in production until the autumn of 1965.

This Bentley S3 of the penultimate year of manufacture, 1964, has been in the collection of just four owners since at least the late 1960s. A receipt dating back to the 5th of January, 1970 for service work at Rolls-Royce Ltd., Willesden, NW10, in the name of the previous owner, Mr. Harold Edward Pope, of High Wycombe, Bucks, is where the provenance begins. In a very substantial file of receipts and correspondence, we are able to formulate the history of the car from that time. While in Mr. Pope's ownership there are a number of receipts for service work at various specialists and a £10,000 paint job at Laurence Kayne of Berkeley Square where the top half of the car was painted to match the bottom half, in Rolls-Royce Garnet red. It stayed with Mr. Pope until sold to Mr. Zubin Mehta, Maestro of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in October of 1984. At that time, it was shipped to New York and stored at the Philharmonic premises. Through 1985, there are numerous receipts from Carriage House for service work to engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension, etc. In 1991, the car was transported to Mr. Mehta's home in Brentwood, California. Used very sparingly, the car was stored with little paper trail until a major service to all systems at Bentley Beverly Hills for $6,200 and then a similar overhaul in October of 2014 at local specialists, Scott Motors, for $5,300, and in 2019 a complete service from Gran Turismo of Los Angeles, including attention to brakes, engine service, new battery, etc. The most recent work was completed by www.teamcj.com of Austin TX, including a spec carburetor rebuild, brake rebuild, and complete undercarriage servicing.

The car drives exceptionally well. It starts easily and idles smoothly. It has good, responsive power, and shifts perfectly through all gears. The brakes and suspension are refurbished and smooth. All electrical systems work and the Air Conditioning blows cold. The car sports an after-market stereo radio/CD player in the dash.

The paint on the car has generally held up well, with swirls and a few minor blemishes conducive with the age of the car and its last re-paint. Brightwork is all in very fine condition and the tires are relatively new. There is no rust on or under the car. The interior of the car is excellent with fantastic wood accents and soft leather in a dark red color to compliment the exterior. Carpets, panels, and headliner are all in very good condition. The car features rear vanity mirrors and picnic tables. Under the bonnet, the engine bay is very tidy, and the trunk is showing its age and originality.

This wonderful S3, with its impeccable ownership history, has been lovingly taken care of and it shows."
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