1963 Bentley S3 Continental Coupe
Chassis no. BC106LXA
Engine no. 53ABC

From the time of the original's introduction on the R-Type chassis in 1952, the high-performance Bentley Continental had been an exclusively coachbuilt car, and by the time of the S2's arrival in 1959 could be ordered with coachwork by the firms of H J Mulliner, Park Ward and James Young. By far the most striking of the S2 Continentals were those bodied by Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder Park Ward, and this design by Norwegian Vilhelm Koren, with its influential continuous front-to-rear wing line, would continue on the Continental S3. Quad headlamps were the S3's major styling innovation, and on the H J Mulliner, Park Ward-bodied Continental, were contained in slanting nacelles.

Ordered on 26th September 1962, left-hand drive chassis number 'BC106LXA' was retailed via Garage de l'Athenée in Geneva and first owned by a Mr Ricardo Sicre of Geneva. Copy chassis cards on file reveal that the Continental was originally finished in Velvet Green with black leather upholstery, and that the chassis had been delivered to Park Ward on 24th January 1963. Completion took some nine months. Special features listed include air conditioning; speedometer in MPH; 'Made in England' nameplate; export type rear numberplate; plain Sundym glass throughout; Radiomobile electric aerial; Irvine lap belts front and rear; centre armrest; rubber inserts to over-riders; and electrically operated door windows. The specification sheet is marked 'for use in USA'. However, another chassis card lists 'speedo in kilos' (sic); UK registration as '647 EGK'; and records the Continental's shipping by air from the UK to Le Touquet, France on 31st October 1963. It seems likely that the original US order was cancelled and the car diverted to Switzerland. In addition to Mr Sicre, only one owner is listed: Irving Wallace Esq of Los Angeles, California, USA from 30th September 1967. Unfortunately, nothing is known of the Bentley's subsequent history and the only other paperwork available is a photocopy of a middle east registration document issued in February 2013, which is when it is believed the current owner acquired the car. On static display since acquisition, this beautiful Continental will require re-commissioning before returning to the road.

Please note that this vehicle is not offered with any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.

Please note that if this vehicle is to be imported into Switzerland, Swiss Customs charges (Duty, Car Tax and VAT) will apply at roughly 12.5% of the Purchase Price. Included in this is the Swiss Duty which is calculated on the weight of the vehicle and shall be CHF 15 per 100 kg. Also included is Swiss Car Tax at 4% and this is calculated on the total Purchase Price (Hammer + Buyers Premium). Swiss VAT will then be applicable on the aggregated amount of the Hammer Price, Buyer's Premium, Swiss Duty and Swiss Car Tax at a rate of 7.7%.
Please note that customs rates to other countries shall vary. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.