Bentley T1 Saloon

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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 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 November 1971, this T1 comes in a wonderful period shade of gold and has had just four owners from new, the vendor acquiring it way back in 1997. Originally supplied through CH Truman Ltd of Nottingham (with their name embossed on the treadplates), it has covered some 98,600 miles with a vast service history including 22 stamps in the service books (the last only 2,000 miles ago) and a large number of supporting invoices.

Within the last few years it has had a full brake overhaul, reconditioned accumulators, carburettors and water pump, new plugs and HT leads plus sundry other items. The owner has also kept a detailed log of every journey, every gallon of fuel and every bit of expenditure during his 18-year ownership. Although it is now cosmetically a bit scruffy here and there, it is said to be in fine mechanical fettle and to drive as a Bentley should with an MOT until June 2015. It is only reluctantly being sold due to the advancing years of the vendor.

After a period in the doldrums, these elegant Bentleys are at last beginning to regain the respect they have always deserved and values have begun to rise accordingly. This well-maintained example should amply reward the cosmetic improvement that it now requires.