Bentley T1

The Bentley S3 and Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud are magnificent cars but there is no doubt that by 1965 these separate chassis behemoths had become something of an anachronism. 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 roof line, 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 were as sumptuous as ever inside 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 more dynamic than the Shadow because the radiator is lower and smoother with a more streamlined shape. Otherwise it is 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.

First registered in March 1975, this Moorland Green example has had five owners from new and has covered just 59,600 miles with a full service history (11 service stamps to date, all at main agents or specialists, the last at 53,552 miles). In very nice condition throughout with a lovely tan hide interior, the car is said to drive beautifully (as you would expect with such a low mileage). It is also said to be excellent underneath after being thoroughly cleaned and Tectyl wax protected at Hillier Hill in May 2002 (bill on file).

Four new Cooper white-band tyres have been fitted within the last 5,000 miles and new front shock absorbers and a recored radiator have also recently been fitted. A modern remote control CD player has also been installed although the original radio is still present in the centre console.

The car comes with all its handbooks, many bills for routine maintenance, the original bill of sale from PJ Evans of Birmingham (when it cost £12,877 in February 1975) plus copies of the original factory build sheets which specify extras including rear picnic tables and Sundym glass. Lambswool overmats, rear footrests and rear headrests are also fitted. On the button and ready to go, the car is MOTd until September 2012. The icing on the cake is a nice personalised number plate, URA 47, which has been valued at £3,000.

Incidentally, one of our clients is fortunate enough to count a Bentley Speed Six, a 4.5-Litre, a T1 and a modern GT among his collection. When your cataloguer once asked him which was his favourite to drive, he unhesitatingly replied: "the T1". Further proof that motoring pleasure is dictated less by the size of your wallet than by the width of your grin…