1965 | Bentley S 3 Continental Flying Spur

Ever since its introduction, the Bentley Continental had been the world's ultimate Grand Tourer, and with the arrival of the V8-engined version this consummate ability was further enhanced. Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their 'Cloud and S-Series predecessors, though the duo's performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc aluminium-alloy V8 engine. Although wider and shorter than the 'six' it replaced, the new power unit fitted relatively easily within the engine bay. Externally the new models appeared virtually unchanged while beneath the skin Rolls-Royce's own four-speed automatic transmission was now the only one on offer and power steering had been standardised. Rolls-Royce had envisaged the Bentley Continental as exclusively a two-door car but late in 1957 the decision was taken to sanction the production of a four-door variation by H J Mulliner. Introduced on the S1 Continental and known as the 'Flying Spur', this design was a collaborative effort by Rolls-Royce's in-house styling department and H J Mulliner and bore a strong resemblance both to the two-door Continental and to existing coachbuilt four-door styles on Rolls-Royce and (non-Continental) Bentley chassis. To the Continental's existing qualities of pace and elegance, the Flying Spur added four-door practicality, a more spacious interior and generously proportioned boot. Combining boulevard elegance with Bentley's sporting tradition, the Flying Spur body style continued on the V8-engined S2 Continental and was revised to incorporate the S3's four-headlamp front end following the latter's introduction in 1962.

This Bentley Continental Flying Spur is one of only 66 right hand drive built and is one of the most original and complete beautiful Flying Spurs available. Recent very expensive bare metal re-paint in Midnight Blue with original blue grey leather in excellent condition with high quality polished woodwork. Perfect chrome throughout including window frames. Four fully working electric windows with no slow action windows. Air conditioning and fully working heat and demist systems. This Bentley S3 has been properly maintained and uprated with electronic ignition, LED lights including dashboard dimming lights, so that you can see where you are going and read the dials at night, new lambswool rugs, recently been serviced and fitted with new power steering hoses. This stunning Flying Spur is supplied with a V5 registration document, and MoT certificate which expires in January 2026, the complete original handbooks still in the original buff envelope supplied with the car when new, the original bootstraps still wrapped in their original packing and the complete large and small original tool kits. Regularly used and cherished, in my opinion these are the most beautiful of the coach-built bodies that are available on the Bentley Continental chassis.Consigned by John Tomlin

Lot details
Year: 1965
Make: Bentley
Model: S3 Continental Flying Spur by H J Mulliner
Registration: FNN 689C
Chassis No: BC6XD
Engine No: 3DBC
Mileage: 76,720


* One of only 66 right hand drive cars built

* Has been the subject to a 'bare metal' repaint

* One of the best, original examples available