Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur, 1963
Bentley Continental Flying Spur
Bentley Continental Flying Spur•
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Chassis No.: BC22LXB
Engine No.: 11BBC
US$207,200 USD | Sold
- 6,230cc OHV Aluminum V8 Engine
- Twin SU Carburetors
- 205bhp
- 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Independent Front and Live-Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
- 4-wheel Girling drum brakes
- One of only 18 left-drive S3 Continental Flying Spurs produced
- Delivered new to the Arlington, Virgina
- Well optioned from the factory
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.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Only 86 S3 Continental Flying Spurs were produced, and of those, a mere 18 were ordered in left hand drive. This example was ordered new through Rolls-Royce of New York by successful Arlington, Virgina auto dealership owner Harry Rosenthal. As a dealer himself, Harry knew what to order—and rather than going for a standard S3 opted for the coachbuilt Flying Spur.
His option list also reads like someone in the know, specifying a Blue Spot 'Kuhn' radio with Hirschmann electric aerial, Sundym glass with power electric windows all around, ducting for refrigeration (factory records indicate the actual A/C unit was installed upon delivery), rubber mats up front and lambswool for the rear passengers, adjustable reading lamps in the rear cabin, and a full set of luggage (four suitcases, two zipper bags, and an overnight bag – sadly none still with the car). Specifying the car in Black Pearl over Beige leather, the chassis was completed at the end of April, 1963, delivered to Mulliner at the beginning of May, and sent to Mr. Rosenthal by mid-May.
The Bentley would be sparingly used, repainted Velvet Green, and in long term ownership prior to being acquired by the seller in early 2008. At the time of purchase, the car was described as a largely original machine save for an older respray with just 24,486 miles on the odometer—a figure which was noted by the prior owner to be original from new. Upon acquisition, the seller enlisted marque specialists Vantage Motorworks to carry out $60,000 in refurbishment work including a rebuilding the brake system, rebuilding and rechroming the bumpers and overriders, rechroming the side window frames, replacing all four tires, full detail of the chassis and engine bay, routine mechanical service, and attention to the paintwork including a color sand, buff, and repaint as necessary.
Since coming into the collection only seven additional miles have been added with the Flying Spur on static display for the past baker's dozen years and as such recommissioning is recommended at this point. A stunningly beautifully designed machine, this design remains a strong inspiration for Bentley's motor cars today—in addition to lending its name to today's offerings from the marque. This exceedingly rare example is a rare opportunity to pick up one of Bentley's greatest post-WWII sports saloons.
Cost
760,942 AED
