Lot 127 - 1978 Bentley T2

• £33,800 restoration
• Rare example

The Bentley T-Series was the Bentley badged version of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, available as a four or two-door saloon with coachwork by James Young or Mulliner Park Ward. The Bentley differed from its Rolls-Royce equivalent by its more rounded front grille while the badging on the wheel covers, boot lid and gauges naturally featured Bentley motifs. In October 1966, the ‘T’ saloon's pre-tax 'list price' of £5,375 undercut the Rolls-Royce by £50! The Bentley was technically an identical twin of the Rolls-Royce and seemed to have been purchased mostly by owners wishing for a more understated luxury saloon.

This magnificent example presents well in the extremely popular colour of Caribbean blue, this is contrasted with blue leather front seats and blue velour rear seats. This difference in materials was apparently the request of the first owner’s wife who preferred the warm feel of velour when being chauffeur driven. The condition of this rare Bentley is extremely good. Not surprising when the file that accompanies the car shows restoration invoices between 2017 and 2018 totalling an eye watering £33,800. Works included a bare metal respray, rewiring to ensure correct working of switches and dials and the fitment of a new air conditioning unit which we are reliably informed blows ice cold air on request. We are also told that this Bentley is a joy to drive and that he has recently spent £1445 on servicing. A letter from the Bentley Drivers Club dated 2018 is present and suggests a valuation for insurance of £32,500 which also makes us believe that this wonderful example is sensibility estimated. Offered to auction with a V5C registration document, the only reason for sale is an unexpected move by the vendor who says he will miss this Bentley very much.