[1] The car was very similar to the preceding S2, with the most-visible exterior difference being a four-headlamp layout reflecting that introduced on the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III the same model year.

The 6.2 L (6230 cc/380 cu in) V8 engine continued with higher compression (9:1 instead of 8:1) and larger carburettors, increasing power output by 7%.

The S3 was priced at £6,126, over triple the British-built top of the range Jaguar Mark X at £2,022 (including all taxes).

[3] Like earlier Continentals, the sportier S3 bodywork was manufactured entirely from aluminium, unlike the heavier, steel bodied S3 saloon.

This, combined with higher gearing and the better compression ratios made for a markedly faster car.