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In the year
1931 the famous Bentley firm was taken over by Rolls Royce. Since that
moment Bentley was the second top class Rolls Royce brand for clients
who wanted more sportive automobiles with improved roadholding
capabilities. All models were based on Rolls Royce models (except the
magnificent Bentley Continental R) but they were mechanically modified
on some details and the cars were given the beautiful Bentley grille.
The Bentley S
model series was introduced in the year 1955.
The Bentley S1 saloon was the first representative of the S series. In
1959 the six cylinder Bentley S1 was succeeded by the Bentley S2 saloon
which featured a new, almost completely silent, V8 engine. From this
moment on the factory also built Drop Head Coupe models (DHC) of the S
series.
In the year 1962 the last S series model saw the light of day: the
Bentley S3. The S3 featured a re-designed front with lower bonnet, wings
and grille and new head lamp clusters with quad headlamps. The fine 6230
cc. V8 engine was carried over unchanged.
According to Bentley adepts the S3 model was the last "real
Bentley" since the succeeding T model was an exact copy of the
Rolls Royce sister model (Silver Cloud). Just another grille and badge
would not make the car a true Bentley.
The Bentley S3 was built until 1965 after 1328 Bentley S3 cars head been
crafted and assembled by hand.
Technical
data
V8 engine
Cylinder capacity: 6230 cc.
Capacity: "sufficient according to the factory".
(estimated capacity 250 SAE bhp. at 4500 rpm.)
Carburettors: 2x SU
Gearbox: 4-speed, automatic
Brakes: hydraulic drum brakes all round
Top-speed: 185 km/h. - 116 mph.
Weight: 1900 kg.
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