Bentley S3 Continental

• Originally built for Switzerland
• Second owner was bestselling American author Irving Wallace
• Period, 1960s photographs on file of the car in Brentwood, Los Angeles
• One of the first examples ever built
• Unique door panels with locking drinks cabinets and a "Mineral water bottle holder"
• Notably badged as a Park Ward, not Mulliner Park Ward
• Beautiful Steel Blue with Beige Connolly Hide interior
• Exceptional condition
• One of only 27 LHD examples built
• Factory air-conditioning

Ordered on September 26, 1962, this extraordinary left-hand drive Bentley Continental S3, chassis number ‘BC106LXA,’ represents a remarkable piece of automotive history with a rich pedigree and impeccable craftsmanship. First retailed through the prestigious Garage de l’Athenée in Geneva, it was initially owned by the esteemed Mr. Ricardo Sicre. According to detailed records, the car was delivered to Park Ward on January 24, 1963, and originally finished in a stunning Velvet Green with opulent black leather upholstery—testament to its first owner’s refined tastes.

The Continental was equipped with an impressive array of special features, making it a standout even among its distinguished peers:

• Air conditioning, a rare luxury at the time, ensuring ultimate comfort on the road
• A speedometer in MPH, calibrated for the export market
• A ‘Made in England’ nameplate, underscoring its British heritage
• Export-type rear number plate, adding international flair
• Plain Sundym glass throughout, providing both style and sun protection
• Radiomobile electric aerial, a touch of high-tech sophistication
• Irvine lap belts (front and rear), reflecting an advanced focus on safety
• A center armrest, adding comfort for long-distance cruising
• Rubber inserts on the over-riders, subtly protecting the car’s elegant lines
• Electrically operated door windows, a cutting-edge feature at the time

After five years, this remarkable car passed into the ownership of the famed American author Irving Wallace, who acquired it on September 30, 1967. Wallace, whose literary works sold over 120 million copies globally, was best known for novels like The Chapman Report (1960) and The Prize (1962), the latter of which was adapted into a film starring the iconic Paul Newman. Wallace’s ownership adds immeasurable cachet to the car, connecting it to Hollywood’s golden age.

Delivered to Wallace’s Los Angeles residence on South Bristol Avenue, the Bentley had by then been refinished in the timeless colour combination of Steel Blue over Beige leather. The car’s Hollywood connection is documented through two rare black-and-white photographs from 1967. One is a newspaper clipping with the headline “THE MAN, THE PAD, THE CAR,” highlighting the Bentley’s custom features, including bespoke bars built into the doors, which remain in perfect condition today. The article also paints a vivid picture of Wallace’s glamorous life, noting the presence of artworks by Giacometti, Bonnard, Matisse, and Modigliani in his home, alongside a replica of the Plaza Hotel’s Oak Bar, a videotape machine, and a dedicated staff including a Japanese gardener and a maid.

Another photograph captures Wallace with his family on his driveway, showing both the Bentley and another rare British classic, a Series 1 Rover P6. These period photos add a vibrant chapter to the car’s history, weaving it into the fabric of Hollywood’s elite. The third and final photograph we have is a colour screen-grab from the 1971 film adaptation, The Seven Minutes. The screen-grab in question shows Irving Wallace's Bentley S3 parked outside his house which was used for a scene in the film, furhter adding to the car's Hollywood past and a lovely bonus to have a colour photograph of the car as it appears today in Steel Blue over Beige.

Today, this exquisite Bentley is finished in beautiful Steel Blue, perfectly complemented by a luxurious Beige Connolly Hide interior. The car is presented in exceptional condition, a testament to its careful preservation and attention to detail throughout its life. It stands as one of only 27 left-hand drive Continental S3s ever built, and notably, it was the 4th LHD model produced in 1963, further enhancing its rarity and desirability.

This Bentley Continental S3 is much more than a classic car—it is a rolling piece of history, embodying the peak of 1960s luxury motoring while carrying with it the cultural prestige of its celebrity ownership. Its combination of rarity, provenance, and craftsmanship make it a must-have for any serious collector or enthusiast of fine automobiles. Owning this Bentley is not just about acquiring a car, but about acquiring a timeless symbol of elegance and refinement.

Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call 0208 878 3355 to book an appointment.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information but errors may occur. Please check with a salesperson.