Yahoo Autos The Last Coach-Built Bentley Still Impresses, 55 Years Later
When the Bentley S3 Continental was launched all the way back in 1962, it was the must-have car for anyone of fame and wealth. It became a status symbol for those who wanted to make a statement, while cruising in pure comfort. Now, over 50 years later, Charles Morgan is here to see if the S3 still has the same presence as it did when it rolled off the showroom floor.
The S3 Continental marked the end of an era, as it was Bentley's last fully coachbuilt car. Its chassis was fabricated in Crewe, England, and its body was assembled by Mulliner Park Ward. It had an aluminum V8 rated simply as having "adequate" power by the factory (in reality, it made about 200 horsepower). The Continental was designed with cross-country drives in mind, with the assumption that the owner, not a chauffeur, would be the one doing the driving. There's only 75 in existence, making this Bentley quite a rare sight.
Determined to find out if the S3 Continental still makes the same impact as it did back in the day, Charles Morgan presented it to today's modern fashion designers and asked their opinions on the design. Unsurprisingly, it cuts a stellar figure. And Charles goes the extra mile, taking it through London to experience the unique luxury of Bentley's last coachbuilt cruiser.
Old luxury cars are a truly unique experience, a combination of involvement and isolation that's lost in today's high-end cars. The S3 Continental is perhaps the ultimate example of old luxury, and isn't something easily forgotten.
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