1965 Bentley S3

Our regal looking Bentley S3 left Crewe early in 1965 towards the end of S3 production. Its chassis number reveals it to be a penultimate H-series car being number 184 of 398 cars in that series. Only the J-series was later which consisted of just 38 cars. That places this example 249 cars from the end of S3 production. The S3 was first registered on the 23rd March 1965 in Dundee against its original registration number of KBY94C. Records suggest that the car left the factory in a different hue to that of today. We also know that the car was a home market right hand drive car from new.

By April of 1991 this S3 had joined the Rolls-Royce and Bentley focussed Alyth Collection based in Alyth in Perthshire, Scotland. Here the S3 remained for over 30-years before emerging for sale at a Kelham Hall auction on 18 March 2026, where it changed hands for £7,875 including premium. Since then, the Bentley has received a light recommissioning to get it running and moving under its own steam. This was undertaken by marque specialists at a cost of £3,141.

Please note that this superb restoration project will need trailering away as the front brakes have been decommissioned leaving only the rears operational. The cooling system also requires some additional attention with the radiator possibly requiring re-coring.

Records suggest that this example has undergone two colour changes during it life, the most recent of which was registered with the DVLC in 1984. This change was noted as being from Gold to the S3’s current two-tone green and silver colourway. The Bentley’s appearance in our beauty-shots from a little distance are a testament to the valeting team and our photographer as the car looks splendid and suitably lustrous for such a sophisticated 1960’s luxury conveyance. As is often the case, of course, a close inspection reveals a more nuanced exterior story.

Given the S3 has been off the road in storage for over 30 years it is fair to expect, perhaps, the following condition summary. Our consignment team note that the paintwork exhibits various chips, areas of peeling paint, rust bubbles, and fading in numerous places. The nearside front wing exhibits rust under the headlight and indicator an in and around the wheels arch. Bubbling can be seen all over and there is a large rusty area near the door. The bubbling is also noted across all nearside panels as well as a large hole in the outer sill near the rear wheel.

The offside exhibits a similar range of issues with the wheel arches clearly requiring attention and the under-paint bubbling being widespread here also. The roof’s finish has faded badly, and various chips and bubbles inhabit the upper panels of the bonnet and boot lid. The brightwork to the bumpers, radiator grill and hubcaps all requires attention to a greater or a lesser extent. Our photographic package carefully documents these imperfections for your considered review.

All that aside, the S3 appears complete and entirely original. As such it must represent an excellent restoration subject and a rare opportunity to bring a late S3 back to the road in a condition that’s commensurate with the prestige of this historic marque.  

By contrast the interior of the S3 appears in a condition that seems appropriate to the car’s indicated mileage. Everything here suggests an original condition and, as such, exhibits a charming, but light, level of patina. Nothing seems to require immediate attention, and a professional deep clean and leather treatment may be all that’s required here.

The Connolly hides are finished in a popular light tan shade with no rips, tears or holes evident. Soe minor creasing of the leather is evident but only to the extent that makes this cabin so charming and inviting looking. The well stuffed seats are stitched into box pleats and with the front pair offering the benefit of individual folding inner arm rests. 

The rear bench is identically trimmed and equally well preserved. The seats backs wrap around at their outer edges to help provide some lateral support and additional comfort. A pair of fold out, walnut veneered picnic tables are built into the front seat backs and the customary individual vanity mirrors (with built in cigar lighters, of course!) are present and correct. These are finished with inlaid walnut veneer which extends around into the door caps, complimenting the quality, chromed door furniture. The biscuit-coloured Wilton carpets look to be in fine fettle apart from a few minor marks and stains here and there which may well be treatable. 

The dashboard is another object lesson in the automotive woodworker’s art and is scattered with a plethora of white on black Smiths gauges and chromed switches, buttons and organ stops. Even the original Radiomobile push button radio is still present The original, large but slender black steering wheel is present. The commodious boot appears to be without its matching Wilton carpet mats.

With the upgraded 6.2L engine and the significant weight saving over its predecessors, the S3 was the best performing of the lot. The power output was still just quoted as “adequate” but thought to be roughly 200 - 220bhp in reality.

This adequate power is relayed via the smooth four-speed General Motors Hydramatic automatic gearbox to the rear wheels. The suspension is configured for cosseting comfort and consists of a live axle on leaf springs at the back and a very good independent coil system at the front. The shocks are lever-arm, adjustable at the back between a smoother ride or sharper handling. 

The under-bonnet presentation is very original looking but retains some potential for further improvement with a professional detailing likely to work wonders. The underside looks to be in very good shape for the car’s age. Plenty of preserving underseal still seems to be present and its condition has no doubt been aided by 30 years of inside storage.

Our accompanying video reveals that the Bentley starts quick and does enjoy independent locomotion. As noted earlier, however, the cooling system requires attention, and the front brakes are currently inoperative.

The V5 registration document is present classifying the car as an Historic Vehicle and, as such, MoT exempt and VED zero rated in the UK. 

The remainder of the paperwork file is a little scant but not without merit. A key document is the May 2026 invoice detailing the light recommissioning the car has enjoyed. This work included the topping up / changing of all fluids, new plugs and filters and the fitting of a new SU fuel pump. This has clearly done the trick of turning this S3 into an infinitely more appealing rolling project.

The S3 was produced in surprisingly small numbers and for many purists represents the last of the “real” classic Bentleys before the unitary T-series cars made an appearance. This example is offered in a fascinating “time capsule” condition and tangibly crying out for a bodily restoration and few other areas of snagging. With the low indicated mileage unwarranted but entirely realistic sounding, this Bentley offers a great original interior and some superb foundations on which to build. We think that should prove an exciting ownership prospect which is just too good to miss.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.