By 1955, Rolls-Royce felt increasingly less need to visually differentiate its own models from the Bentley-badged ones. The Bentley S1 that replaced the R-Type model was therefore basically a Silver Cloud I behind the distinctive 'Flying B' radiator grille. It was the last Bentley powered by the company's venerable 150bhp 4.9-litre straight-six engine. The newcomer retained a separate chassis and body, facilitating the manufacture of special-bodied versions. Even so, the vast majority were delivered with the standard steel one. Suspension was independent by coil springs at the front and by live axle and semi-elliptic springs at the rear. Braking was by servo-assisted drums all-round. Improved performance arrived with the S2 model of 1959, when the straight-six engine was finally pensioned off in favour of a new 6.2-litre aluminium V8 unit. This raised the top speed to some 114mph and greatly enhanced acceleration. Power steering became standard and electrically operated windows an option. The model's final iteration was the S3. Introduced in 1962, it featured a lower bonnet line, different grille and four headlamps. The interior modifications included individual seats for the front occupants and increased legroom for those in the rear. Engine power was increased by seven percent. Some 1,630 S3s were produced between 1962 and 1966.

The S3 on offer is a 1965 example finished in the particularly attractive colour combination of Black over Shell Grey, and teamed with a Red leather interior. We understand it has been well maintained and covered 106,000 miles in the last 46 years. The vendor informs us that ABH 360C has 'good' bodywork and brightwork, the interior has 'very good leather and woodwork', the engine has 'excellent oil pressure', and the four-speed automatic transmission provides 'smooth changes'. The SU carburetters and brake system have been recently refurbished and the Bentley comes complete with MOT into December.