There comes a time when a Bentley starts to make sense. It’s a bit like when an evening listening to jazz sounds appealing, olives are little pellets of joy and not wearing trainers for anything other than the gym. Yes, you may have grown up on raucous track-orientated toys and bellowing examples of throbbing, in-your-face metal, but at some point a Bentley – or even a Mercedes, Rolls, Lincoln or any other big convertible – seems right.
And that’s not because you’re getting old and boring; far from it. After all, when Mulliner Park Ward unveiled its take on the Bentley S3 it was something of a revelation; gone were the normal S3's subtle and whispery smooth lines; in came sharper detailing, chrome flourishes, fins and – most controversially – those slanted quad headlamps. When launched in the early Sixties, it proved popular with a younger, more international clientele – proof that this Bentley's appeal transcends age barriers.
Therefore it’s quite understandable that, even if you can’t afford one, an S3 MPW would be agreeable. In fact, that’s a good word to describe the experience, agreeable, From the super-soft yet supportive seats, to the tastefully rendered wooden dash; from the suave white-on-black dials to the deep carpet – sitting in a Bentley of this era is as comforting as a warm hug.
It’s also said to drive in a similar manner – that huge steering wheel is weighted for unstressed, unhurried movement; place your arm on the window, lean back in the seat and let the scenery float by. Yes, it may have a V8 under that long bonnet, but when pushed it’s a gentle whoosh. After all, arriving hurried, sweaty and flushed wouldn’t be seemly, now would it? Press the accelerator, stuff happens in hushed, murmured tones and then you’re going a bit quicker. No fuss, no drama – just want this kind of car should be. Journeys no longer become a pain; they are a serene place to consider the finer things in life – of which this Bentley certainly is.
It’s getting warmer in the UK now and while at many points in life I’ve hankered after bespoilered Ford Sierras, rasping V6 Alfas and turbocharged Japanese fare, but right now only a Mercedes-Benz W111 or a Lincoln Continental comes close for dream summer driving. Sadly my finances won't stretch as far buying one, but I can dream...