Chassis No. BC74LXE Engine No. 37EBC Bentley Motors, like many premium automakers before World War II, focused on producing the finest rolling chassis for their discerning clientele to choose from a number of elite custom coachbuilders to finish the car's body to their exacting specifications. After the war, the demand for highly specialized luxury coachbuilding became the elevated choice as the automotive industry shifted towards producing complete, ready-to-drive vehicles. Like other high-end manufacturers, Bentley moved in this direction with models such as the Mark IV, followed by the R-Type and S-series (S1, S2, and S3). Despite this trend, Bentley continued to offer a "Continental" version of these models, emphasizing coach built luxury alongside performance, with the S3âs refined V8 standing out, featuring an increase in compression ratio from 8.0:1 to 9.0:1. Out of the 311 S3 Continentals produced, this example is one of only 16 left-hand drive cars ever made. Original build sheets note that this car was ordered new through Rolls-Royce of Canada by The Kenney Construction Co. Ltd. for use by Seymour W. Kenney of Nova Scotia. Finished in Belco Antelope over Beige Connolly leather, it was specified with Lucas Windtone horns, Jetstar air conditioning, an additional heater, a Hirschmann electric antenna, a speedometer in miles per hour, Sundym glass, mirrors mounted to the front fenders, and Firestone âwhite sidedâ tires. This car utilizes unique rear air conditioning vents that are routed up the âC-pillar,â unlike the traditional vent that is flush mounted with the rear shelf behind the seat. Upon delivery in The Bluenose Province, it was likely without a peer. A copy of the Schoelkopf ownership card shows that this Continental remained with Kenney through October 1972, when Robert Stoddard of Worcester, Massachusetts, imported the car to the United States. Thirteen years later, in November 1985, the car was acquired by noted Rolls-Royce and Bentley aficionado Robert Jefferson of Brookfield, Massachusetts. From there, it was sold by Vantage Motorworks in August 1990 and passed through a series of owners until it was purchased by Premier Financial Services. The car was reacquired by Vantage Motorworks in 2008 and then sold to Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al Sabah of Kuwait. Sheikh Nasser commissioned Vantage to complete a full and comprehensive restoration of the S3 Continental, which included refinishing it with its current elegant Tudor Grey paintwork. Additional work included replacing all the car wiring and wiper motor actuators and servicing the engine with new gaskets, belts, and hoses. Following the Sheik's passing, the car returned to the United States, acquired by the current owner in 2022. After the acquisition, the car was taken to Automotive Restorations Inc. of Stratford, Connecticut, for a thorough inspection and service. This work included rebuilding the carburetors, replacing the brake master cylinder and hoses, spark plugs, the battery, and a set of four BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewall tires. The Bentley S3 Continental was designed as the ultimate postwar sporting saloon destined to receive custom coachwork in grand style. It combined the best of prewar build quality at the apex of full-chassis evolution with refined V8 power and easy power steering. Chassis number BC74LXE, one of just 16 left-hand-drive examples made, features an exceptional restoration by Vantage Motorworks. It is offered as a rare opportunity to acquire a well-documented example of one of the most desirable postwar Bentley saloons.
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- VIN CodeBC74LXE
