1965 BENTLEY S-3 CONTINENTAL H.J. MULLINER FLYING SPUR
--Black Pearl with Beige leather interior and Tan carpeting,
4-speed automatic, Power steering, Air conditioning, 6.2 liter V8,
Restored from a 17,000 mile example with superb provenance.
Ever since its introduction, the Bentley Continental had been the world's ultimate Grand Tourer. Rolls-Royce had envisaged the Bentley Continental as exclusively a two-door car. Late in 1957 the decision was taken to sanction the production of a four-door variation by H J Mulliner. Introduced on the S1 Continental and known as the 'Flying Spur', this design was a collaborative effort by Rolls-Royce's in-house styling department and H J Mulliner. The ‘Flying Spur’ had a strong resemblance to both the two-door Continental and to existing coachbuilt four-door styles on Rolls-Royce and (non-Continental) Bentley chassis. To add to the Continental's existing qualities of pace and elegance, the Flying Spur added four-door practicality, a more spacious interior and generously proportioned boot. It was the perfect combination of Bentley’s boulevard elegance together with Bentley's sporting tradition.
This ‘Flying Spur’ is 1 of 20 all aluminum bodies examples and the second to the last produced in left hand drive form. It was acquired several years ago by marque expert Mr. Richard Gorman from the estate of actor and automobile enthusiast, Mr. Leslie Nielsen. At this time, circa 2011 and as per service records, the engine had received a recent rebuilt and only had 3,000 miles since. At the time it was painted a metallic yellow. Having been an exceptional, low mileage, rust free example from new with excellent panel fit and no evidence of previous accident damage, Mr. Gorman decided to strip and repaint this ‘Flying Spur’ in its original Black Pearl paint finish. At this time the interior and boot compartments were restored/reupholstered and the chassis and engine bay also refinished. Various rechroming was completed and all wood veneer was refinished to concours standards.
This rare LHD ‘Flying Spur’ is spectacular in every way and has been exceptionally cared for from new. It has been serviced/restored by one of the best finest Rolls Royce-Bentley restoration facilities in the world and is complete with history file, correct handbooks and copies of its factory records. One of the finest if it’s kind and ready for immediate use.
