Bentley’s high-performance S3 Continental model arrived in 1962, carrying a refined version of the new V-8 introduced on the previous series. As before, the Continental was available exclusively with finely hewn custom coachwork, usually two-door drophead or fixed head coupés by Rolls-Royce/Bentley’s own Mulliner Park Ward shops in London. These bodies were designed by Vilhelm Koren with a modern continuous front-to-rear fender line, peaked taillights and the iconic angled quad headlamps.

One of just 75 drophead coupés produced, the example offered here was originally delivered to Keith Showering, later Sir Keith, heir to the large West Country family brewery known for its Babycham perry and Gaymers cider. Interestingly, the build records for the car, copies of which are on file, note that it was originally finished in Cadillac Green with a green interior and top, what must have been a striking combination. Specially requested equipment included front shoulder belts, a storage compartment in the rear centre armrest and Sundym glass.

The car had been restored before its acquisition in the United Kingdom in 1994 by Dr Soichiro Yoshida, Honorary Consul for Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden; owner of a multifaceted business empire; and member of the committee for the Nagano Winter Olympics of 1998, as well as a noted car collector. It is believed that during Dr Yoshida’s ownership the car was maintained by a Rolls-Royce factory-trained mechanic. In 2004, the Bentley was acquired by its current owner, another noted Japanese businessman and enthusiast, and sponsor of GT racing, in whose ownership it has been properly garaged in a climate-controlled facility.

A lovely S3 Continental drophead coupé with its original engine, this is the ideal ‘bookend’ to an R-Type Continental in the true Bentley enthusiast’s collection.