Bentley T2, 1980
Bentley T-Series
Bentley T-Series•
•11 مشاهدة
Chassis No.: SBH0040207
Registration: KTA 108V
In 1965, Bentley Motors, well aware that the S series had become dated and a little hard to distinguish from their Rolls-Royce stablemates, set about changing this perception. An opinion shared by Archie Vicar in the Motorist's Illustrated Digest, December 1965. The same correspondent gave the car a favourable review, especially in comparison to its Rolls-Royce stablemate. Unveiled in 1965, the entirely new T range with a specification to silence even the most vociferous of critics was a success.
Introduced with a range of engineering upgrades to give a car of very advanced technical specification and with every effort to reduce vibration; harmonic dampers were fitted to the propeller shaft and the entire engine, gearbox and rear suspension were mounted on their own sub frame, with the final drive unit carried on a flexibly mounted cross member. Each car underwent two thirty-mile road tests before delivery. Craftsmen continued to use beautiful veneers, together with traditional deep pile Wilton carpet and leather upholstery, using eight hides to a car and even built in quadraphonic sound! Yet beneath the sleek exterior, performance was remarkable.
The T2 introduced in 1977 is the evolution of the original saloon model. These later series cars offer a higher level of specification and numerous improvements which include a larger engine of 6.75 litres and revised suspension, brakes and steering, with only 568 produced.
This example, finished in elegant Moorland Green with a beige leather interior, is a highly desirable late-production model, bearing chassis number ‘0040’, one of just 558 units ever produced. Previously owned by a private collector since 2009, the car has been dry stored during that time. We are informed that the underside remains very solid, a key consideration for collectors and restorers alike and there is an invoice in the history file showing an expenditure of circa £2000 to £3000 for a transmission rebuild. The vehicle is accompanied by its original Rolls-Royce factory build record, adding valuable provenance. While the engine does start and run, the car will require recommissioning as expected before use. Consigned by James Good
