Chassis No.: BC46XE

Engine No.: 23EBC

Location: London, United Kingdom

£61,600 GBP | Sold

Addendum

Please note this James Young-bodied S3 is one of only 17 cars built.

Est. 220 hp, 6,230 cc OHV V-8, four-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with unequal-length wishbones and coil springs, opposed piston hydraulic dampers and torsion roll bar, semi-elliptic rear springs with electrically-controlled piston-type dampers and single radius rods, hydro-mechanical power assisted front and rear drum brakes, right-hand drive. Wheelbase: 3,125 mm

• Only two owners from new

• Rolls-Royce Foundation documentation available for inspection

• Handsome custom coachwork

• Delivered new to Rex Makin, Esq.

In 1965, Rolls-Royce began production of the Silver Shadow and Bentley T-Series models with unitised construction, disc brakes and hydraulic self-levelling suspension. The Silver Cloud III and Bentley S3 models were the last cars produced with separate chassis and body and, thus, the last series of cars offered with custom coachwork.

Chassis number BC46XE was dispatched on 22 April, 1965 and sent to Jack Barclay, Ltd. for customer Rex Makin, Esq., presumably the lawyer most famous for his involvement with Brian Epstein and The Beatles and who is credited for inventing the term “Beatlemania.” Interestingly, the chassis specifications note, “This chassis must not be desptached (sic) without Radiator Shell or Mascot.” The right-hand drive model was sent to coachbuilder James Young for fitment of its bodyshell. Without question, James Young Coachbuilders was responsible for some of the most restrained and handsome bodies fitted to Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars, and this example is no exception.

Included in the car’s file is the original Rolls-Royce Motor Car Division Warranty card made out in Mr. Makin’s name. The car was sold via Mann Egerton & Co. to its next long-term keeper, a Mr. R. Way Esq. of Wimbledon, SW19 on 2 January, 1968, and Mr. Way became the long-term keeper of this motor car. Invoices in the file from James Young Coachbuilders and Man and Egerton indicate that this car was properly cared for whilst in Mr. Way’s ownership.

Smartly finished in metallic Astral Blue and with its inviting black leather interior, contrasting great Wilton carpets and nice lustre to the wooden dash and door cappings, this luxurious, elegant and distinctive two-owner Bentley by James Young comes with a fresh UK MOT certificate and would make a very, very smart addition to any collection.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/lf11/lots/r152-1965-bentley-s3-continental-saloon-by-james-young/