1976 Bentley T1 Saloon

The launch of the relatively compact Silver Shadow and Bentley T-Type rebuffed the separate "chassis' and "coachwork' arrangement of early RR's and Bentley's by using an all new monocoque design with a much lower roof line, self-levelling independent suspension, dual-circuit servo disc brakes all round, and a four-speed automatic gearbox. However, luxury never goes out of style and these cars were as sumptuous as ever inside with acres of walnut, Wilton carpets, leather upholstery and electric seats/windows all coming as standard.

Although the cars are more or less identical, the Bentley T looks more dynamic than the Shadow because the radiator is lower and smoother with a more streamlined shape.

Otherwise, it is only the badging on the wheel covers, boot lid and gauges that set the cars apart - although the Bentley is far more exclusive as only 1,703 saloons were made across 11 years 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.

One of the extremely rare and very last of the T1s, of which a just handful were built, this example features literally all the sought after improvements introduced during the life of the original chrome bumper examples, including the larger engine, more attractive flared wheel arches and the much improved compliant suspension - resulting in this being the ultimate specification of T1.

Resplendent in factory correct Moorland Green and contrasted by supple Beige VM3234 interior leather, this car was once registered "XJG 9' and judging by the three inch thick file of bills and invoices, plus a host of correspondence, has wanted for nothing in all its time. Amongst these invoices is a thorough report of work conducted by P&A Wood in 1993 totalling £2,700 but supplying useful notes on each aspect of their investigation and maintenance work. Records show this Bentley having been sold to "The Cavendish Club', Devonshire Square, London in 1978, presumably, as the property of the club for the chauffeuring of important members and their guests to the ritziest of London locations. By 1987/88 an MOT record shows mileage of 97,930 moving to 03,447 in 1988/89. Now showing fewer than 25,000 miles, this is therefore likely actually 125,000 yet just 22,000 or so in the past 25 years - but this car has clearly been incredibly cherished, to the extent that the original interior leather and woodwork condition would look to be correct for 23,000 miles from new!

Following some light vandalism to the paintwork on one side in August 1986, such was the fastidious extent of its then owner that the protracted negotiations and details to get the absolutely perfect paint finish ultimately took until 1993. By this time, not only had the small blemish been rectified, but his long-suffering and very patient insurance company and local Rolls-Royce agent had nigh-on repainted every panel and the roof! A series of letters accompany this car which document the shameless nature of the protracted toing's and froing's between owner, insurer and several Service and Works managers. His hard work paid off however because the resulting car and the standard of the paint even today is still exceptionally good. This same owner kept the car from 1986 to 2008, when it was purchased by Hunt & Keal Ltd (Now Graeme Hunt Ltd) of Radley Mews London. Subsequently sold to classic racer and general classic car enthusiast, Steve Tandy, by March 2011 and showing (1)23,206 miles, this T1 was waxoiled underneath for preservation by Steve Chambers Automotive, Tewkesbury.

Acquired by our vendor in June 2012 it has in his care been subjected to occasional use and home care. Offered with UK V5 registration document and current MOT, this is without doubt a leading "T-Series' Bentley and likely the finest we've seen. Wonderful to drive and refined enough to live with as a daily driver if one chose, the T1 Bentley makes an occasion of any journey.