Bentley S3 Continental HJ Mulliner Park

The term “Continental” denoted a higher-performance, more exclusive Bentley, originally inspired by the R-Type Continental of the 1950s. These cars were lighter, faster, and designed for long-distance touring across the European continent. As a result, the S3 Continental combined luxury and performance in a way few other cars of the era could.

The defining aesthetic feature of the 1963 Bentley S3 Continental Drophead Coupe by Mulliner Park Ward is its unique quad headlight configuration, often referred to colloquially as “Chinese Eye” lights. This bold styling choice divided opinion at the time but has since come to define the model’s identity.

Incredibly only 27 RHD Drop Heads were built by Mulliner Park Ward between 1962 and 1966, so a super rare commodity of what was and remains still a super elite motor car.

The file copy of the originally factory specification happily informs us that Jack Barclay Ltd had ordered chassis no. 'BC110XC' in January 1964 on behalf of Sir Ralph Rayner who ran the upmarket St James Vintners, The Emu Wine Company. Notes on file inform us that he chosen colour was dark grey with green leather and had a rather snazzy electric roof along with manual operated windows & aerial, tubeless tyres and a badge bar with six badges no less !

Little is known of its earlier years but I understand like so many of these wonderful cars, it found its way across the 'Pond' during the 70's & 80's.

It's not often that one mans journey to own Bentley is so succinct, insomuch, following in his father's footsteps, the desire and penchant for a Coach built Bentley had evidently been instilled from a young age, thus he could do little to resist the temptation when approached in 2012 with BC110XC.

Such was his enthusiasm and commitment to ownership, the deal necessitated him purchasing it blind from the US...being a pragmatic chap he wasn't disappointed upon seeing it for the first but realised that perhaps there was more to do than first envisaged, hence it remained in storage whilst the budget accrued.

Given the above the restoration didn't start until 2015...essentially a complete renovation of the car, including mechanical, body, paint, roof and interior with notable upgrades such as air-conditioning added along the way.

The invoices on file give one a clear impression of the huge works undertaken and certainly the whole car has stood up exceptionally well to being used frequently since its completion in 2019.

Infact, the first journey was a long drive down to Sardinia, which other than rogue fuse went without a hitch; happily other long stints in Europe have followed.

Six years post its restoration, it was decided to undertake a thorough and complete inspection of the car in readiness of further active Inter-Continental touring. This has resulted in some sensible ongoing maintenance and in addition the decision to undertake an total engine rebuild, something it only partially had back in 2015.

This we undertook this during the early part of this year...recently finished by our engineering shop, it headed across to our paint shop for the correction of some minor paint blemishes.

A fabulous car which has been beautifully restored, driven and enjoyed by a enthusiast and long associated Bentley owner.

It would be a pleasure to answer any questions you might have. However, to really appreciate this Bentley, it needs to be seen “in the flesh”, so do please call to arrange a viewing.