1970 Bentley T1

The Bentley S3 and Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud were magnificent cars, but there is no doubt that by 1965 these, separate chassis, limousines were more 'fabulous fifties' than 'swinging sixties'. The launch of the relatively compact Silver Shadow and Bentley T-Type put this situation to rights, using an all new monocoque design with a much lower roofline, self-levelling independent suspension, dual-circuit servo disc brakes all round, and a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Luxury never goes out of style, however, and the cars interiors were as sumptuous as ever with acres of Walnut, Wilton and leather, and electric seats and windows as standard.

Although the cars are more or less identical, the Bentley 'T' looks a touch more dynamic than the Shadow because the radiator is lower and smoother with a more streamlined shape. Otherwise, it's only the badging on wheel covers, boot lid, and gauges that sets the cars apart – although the Bentley is far more exclusive as only 1,703 saloons were made compared to over ten times that number of Shadows. Replaced in 1977 by the T2, the T-Type is now more commonly referred to as the T1. It was updated in 1974 with more flared wheel arches to contain the wider radial tyres that were now standard, a larger engine, three - rather than four-speed gearbox, revised suspension, and a more modern interior.

This 1971 Bentley T1 has obviously spent some time in dry storage and appears to be finished in a dark Metallic Silver Grey. The interior looks in reasonable shape and the Grey Leather is nicely patinated. The chrome doesn't look too bad and the car seems to stand nicely.

Sadly we have no further information about this car, although we are led to believe that some paperwork with the car's history may shortly be available. We would suggest that it's in need of recommissioning and is sold as seen.