1965 Bentley S3: The Last Great Bentley and Its Enduring Legacy
5,571
Published 2024-05-26
Once, I read that Noel Coward, the famous playwright, declared the Bentley S3 to be 'the last great Bentley' before the marque lost some of its bespoke charm. That’s got to grab your attention; I mean, Coward wasn’t one to throw around idle praise.
So, let’s pop the hood and see what this beauty was packing. Underneath that elegantly sculpted bonnet, you’ll find a 6.2-liter V8 engine. Now, in its day, this was quite the beast, delivering around 200 horsepower. Not staggering by today's standards, but back then, it definitely had some oomph. Remarkably, this engine also marked Bentley's transition away from the aging inline-sixes. It was smoother, more reliable, and perfect for those long, uninterrupted cruises down the British countryside.
Performance? Well, let’s be honest. This wasn’t a car designed to leave rubber on the road. Zero to 60 in around 10 seconds might sound pedestrian now, but then, speed wasn’t the endgame here. This was about effortless, refined touring. The sort where you could still enjoy a clear conversation at 100mph thanks to its incredibly smooth ride and impeccable sound insulation.
Culturally, the S3 was more than just a mode of transport; it was a symbol of an era where discretion and luxury went hand-in-hand. You could spot one sliding through the streets of Mayfair, dripping with understated elegance. It also creaked into the world of cinema – remember seeing it in movies like 'The Italian Job'? While most remember the Minis, the Bentley S3 certainly made its own statement.
However, it wasn’t without its quirks. The handling, for one, left something to be desired. It was a bit like steering a yacht; you had to plan your course well in advance. And, with all that luxury, came significant weight – well over 4,000 pounds – which did nothing for its agility. Repairs could be a wallet buster too; parts were never cheap, and mechanics familiar with its intricacies even rarer.
One particularly memorable detail was the twin headlamps. Before the S3, Bentley had adhered to a more conservative design. The S3, with its four light setup, hinted at a bit more modernity while still holding onto that classic charm. Some loved it, some didn't. Divisive yet compelling, that's the S3 for you.
Another fun tidbit: many of these Bentleys were fitted with bespoke coach-built bodies, making each one almost unique. Companies like Mulliner Park Ward crafted stunning variations, so if you came across an S3, chances were, it had a few personal touches not seen on any other.
In essence, driving the Bentley S3 wasn’t about the thrill of speed. It wasn't about cutting-edge innovation. It was about an indulgent experience of style and grace. A rolling gentleman’s club, if you will.
So whether you see it as the last of its kind or a herald of change, the 1965 Bentley S3 undeniably holds a lofty place in automotive lore.
All Comments (8)
-
"I'm driven in a Rolls, I drive a Bentley"
-
LUSCIOUS!
-
Gracious and beautiful! A car which epitomizes the saying, "the journey is the essence of the destination!". I guess everything in this world has its given time and place and I am lucky to have known the existence of these objects of excellence. I just wish that I had the wealth to afford this beauty!
-
Spoken with wise words !!! 💯👍🏻💯👍🏻💯👍🏻💯👍🏻💯👍🏻
-
Last of the separate chassis cars, the Bentley "S" series was a badge engineered Roller but the badge had a bit more reserve and a little less bling. A little more old money and a little less lottery winner.
-
It was'nt build as a dragster.
-
6 L v8 and only 200hp 😅😅 V8
