Bentley T2

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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 (later GM400 3-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 that sets the cars apart – although the Bentley is far more exclusive as only 1,703 T1 saloons were made compared to over ten times that number of Shadows.

In 1977 it was replaced by the T2, now with a 4-speed gearbox, improved rack-and-pinion steering, revised suspension, more flared wheel arches to contain the wider radial tyres that were now standard, improved air conditioning, a new fascia and a front air dam. Just 558 examples were made before production came to an end in 1980, making this a rare car indeed.

This 1978 T2 has covered less than 70,000 miles from new and has been owned by the vendor, a Bentley Driver’s Club committee member, for 17 years. During this time it has clocked up some 22,000 miles including many BDC tours both here and on the Continent, and is said to have always proved totally reliable and a real pleasure to drive.

Presented in a wonderfully period shade of Walnut with a dark brown interior, it also has lambswool floor mats (which have kept the original carpets in fine condition) and foot rests for the rear passengers. A large history file accompanies the car to show regular maintenance and to warrant the low mileage, and all the original handbooks are still present in the original Bentley wallet.

In 2001 the car won first prize in a BDC concours event and it remains in very good condition apart from a few bodywork blemishes picked up over the last dozen years. Only reluctantly being sold to liberate garage space for a newly acquired Continental Flying Spur (which sits alongside a 1934 Derby Bentley that is also owned by the vendor), this rare and beautiful car comes with current MOT and tax and is ready for immediate use.

One of a select few models recently tipped in The Sunday Times as having considerable investment potential at the current modest price levels, T-Series Bentleys are already nudging £40,000 at top dealers and this low-mileage example looks remarkably good value at the guide price suggested.