1965 Bentley S3 Continental – Classified of the Week
November 3, 2020
We all like a bit of posh, right? Whether it’s eating in a fancy restaurant, buying a delightful Swiss watch, or just buying our food from M&S for once, rather than Aldi. Exclusive, high-end things are nice, and there is nothing wrong with enjoying them or lusting after them. As is evidenced by this magnificent Bentley S3 Continental by James Young. It is automotive art, a vision in metallic blue and chrome, and a rolling example of just how exquisite a classic car can be. Is it cheap? Of course not. In fact, it’s £165,000. But so it should be, because this is a Bentley unlike the others. This one was crafted by James Young.
Just one of seventeen built in right hand-drive configuration, Chassis No. BC.46.XE was bodied by James Young, an exclusive coachbuilder with whom build slots were highly coveted. The car’s design was created to take on the Rolls Royce Flying Spur by H. J. Mulliner, which it did with aplomb. Flowing, sculpted lines with coupe looks and generous proportions made the Bentley a far more desirable prospect for those lucky few.
This car was delivered new on 6th of May 1965 to James Young Ltd, before being built and sent to London and its first owner, famed lawyer Rex Makin (yes, the man famed with coining the term ‘Beatlemania’) who owned it for a few years before selling. The next owner, a Mr. R Way owned the car for some 43 years, and other than an interior re-trim in ‘75, kept the car in original condition.
Not only is this car special by virtue of the people who owned it and of course, the company who bodied it, it is also special because it’s a genuine survivor car. The last of its kind to be built, it has been kept in the very best condition throughout its life, and has only covered a mere 70,000 miles.
If you’re looking for a car that is rare, that is original and that is in exceptional order from front to back, this Bentley is it. A time capsule on wheels, this beautiful Bentley is a wonderful example of how brilliant coachbuilding could be. Go on, splash out. You deserve it.
