1976 Bentley T1

Lot details

Registration No: TCX 258P
Chassis No: SBH23904
MOT: Exempt One of fewer than 2000 Bentley T1s produced, presented in Seychelles Blue complementing dark blue leather interior, dark blue carpet and grey headlining. Offered with documents including a copy of the built sheet, dealer invoice and delivery note, as well as the manufacturer history book consisting of copies of inspection reports throughout the build process of the car. As well as this, a number of invoices totalling nearly £27,000 Subject to over £6000 in expenditure since October of 2019

By 1965, Rolls-Royce was well-practised in the art of badge engineering and, while the new T Series Bentley was aimed at the world's many devotees of the 'Flying B' logo, it was essentially a re-badged version of the Silver Shadow. Its arrival was none too soon however and, together with the Shadow, did much to reverse the notion that Rolls-Royce was falling behind the times. It certainly resulted in many firsts for the company, including: unitary construction rather than separate body/chassis units, disc rather than drum brakes and independent rear suspension. Though 7in shorter and 3.5in narrower than the Bentley S3 it replaced, the John Polwhele Blatchley-penned T1 nevertheless possessed greater space for both luggage and passengers and boasted far more contemporary looks.

At launch it was powered by a 172bhp V8 engine of 6230cc, though this was enlarged to 6750cc during 1970. Early cars employed the same GM automatic transmission as the S3, but this was superseded by the Turbo Hydramatic system from 1970 onwards. The car's famed 'magic carpet' ride was achieved courtesy of a high-pressure hydraulic system licensed from Citroen. Initially it featured self-levelling at both ends, but this was deleted from the front in 1969. Fewer than 2000 Bentley T1s were sold, which makes this example a much rarer and more exciting proposition.

TXC 258P was manufactured in 1975 and was sold via Appleyard Rippon Ltd to a JJ Thompson Ltd of Stockton-on-Tee on 04 February 1996, at the time presented in Seychelles Blue over Shell Grey with complementing dark blue leather interior, dark blue carpet and grey headlining.

Still presented in Seychelles Blue, albeit fully, but also retaining its original interior combination, TXC 258P has in more recent years been looked after and sold through Hanwells of London; benefiting from a service including cleaning and re-sealing of the rear height control restrictors in July of 2020, as well as having had nearly £5,500 spent in October of 2019, where the car was serviced, rear levelling system was set up, rear suspension overhauled, carburettors calibrated and some corrosion rectified at the base of the doors. The odometer currently displays 75,882 unwarranted miles.

Included with the vehicle unusually is a copy of the built sheet, dealer invoice, new car order form, delivery note, warranty and manufacturer history book including copies of inspection reports throughout the build process of the car. As well as this, a number of invoices totalling nearly £27,000. The vendor rates the condition of the bodywork, engine, electrical equipment, paintwork, transmission and gearbox and interior trim all as ‘Excellent’.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07943584762