Bentley S3 3, Blue, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $46,995.

This 1965 Bentley S3 Saloon was the Coventry manufacturer's volume model, but with Rolls-Royce and Bentley, all terms are relative, since only 1285 were built during the model's three-year production run. This one represents the final production year, and incorporates all the upgrades added during the previous model years. With elegant proportions, a smooth and silent 6.2 liter V8, and a sumptuous interior that you've come to expect from Britain's finest, this S3 is an experience, not just a motorcar.

During this era, virtually every Bentley was custom ordered and built to spec, so there's no official name for the finish on this S3, but it is elegant enough to be rightfully called royal blue. The S3 is also widely regarded as the last of the true hand-built Bentleys, with exceptional attention to detail that you just can't find in lesser models. There's a grace to the way the panels flow together, with a sporty Bentley flare in the kicked-up rear fenders that help mask the car's size. The hand-built nature of the car is evident in the panel fit and the exquisite details like the delicate line that mirrors the shape of the fenders and the quad headlight arrangement, which was new for the 1963 redesign.

The interior is the very definition of luxury, even by today's standards. With supple leather seats that feel like palatial thrones, wool carpeting, and acres of polished walnut, the Bentley offers first-class accommodations. The seats show little wear and a very inviting patina on the leather, while the back seat offers generous legroom and those wonderful fold-out trays. Old World and new world meet on the dashboard, where traditional Smiths gauges give a complete view of the engine, along with conveniences like A/C, an automatic transmission, power windows, power seats, and an AM/FM stereo make this a car that can be comfortably driven every day.

The 6.2 liter V8 under the hood was new for the S3 and a big upgrade over the previous inline-six that powered earlier models. Although Bentley described horsepower as adequate, it moves the big sedan with effortless ease and the smoothness of whipped cream as it eases down the highway in near silence. Power steering and brakes make it easy to maneuver around town, and everything works properly. A 4-speed automatic shifts almost imperceptibly, and the traditional suspension rides like a cloud. Subtle whitewall radials on the original wheels with polished wheel covers help provide that wonderful isolated ride without sacrificing competent road manners.

With signs of careful maintenance, which is critical on a car of this stature, and excellent performance today, this is a Bentley you can buy and drive with confidence. It has been in the same owner's hands for the past fifteen years, and is currently titled as a Rolls-Royce, most likely due to being imported by a Rolls-Royce dealership after being sold new overseas.

Experience Old World standards of luxury and elegance and discover just how good true luxury cars can be. Call today!