Rare Example T1 - Stunning Condition. 1 Of Only Some 100 In The Us. Very 1970's! on 2040-cars

Bentley T

A stunning and yet "garish 70's" factory order from Crewe.

1974

Very rare gold "Savoy Velour" interior option - the epitome of the 1970s.

There are many photos below so take the time to read the description to allow them all to load.

Where ostentatious tastes saw bell-bottom plaid suits, Marlboro man moustaches and Studio 54 night-clubs. When the films of the era were "Clockwork Orange", "Annie Hall" and "Taxi Driver", the broadway show was "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Chicago" and Liza Minnelli won best actress Oscar for Cabaret. TV was all about "Charlie's Angels" in the US whilst we watched "The Sweeney" and "Minder" in the UK. On opposing sides of that big pond we laughed at Richard Pryor and the Morecambe & Wise duo. Whilst some loved Liberace with all his glitz and glamour, so did others fan to Elton John displaying similarly outrageous stage get-up and showmanship. America had boat-sized Cadillacs whilst the UK had groovy Minis and sexy E-type Jaguars. The world was changing towards atomized individualism and away from communitarianism. The 1970s was all about being showy and flashy - for one's self - with big statements and plenty of pizzazz - where "too much" was just enough.

In the midst of all this, this one Bentley surely spoke out - in every bit of the language - she is the epitome of the 1970s.

This is a striking combination Bentley T, finished in Regency Bronze (a rich honey gold colour) with a dark brown vinyl top and hand-painted fine lines in matching brown to the waist lines and hub-cap beauty rings. The Savoy velvet interior is finished in a very rich and well over the top gold-tan colour with contrasting dark cigar brown carpeting and dash. The Savoy velvet option was a factory one and rarely ordered - no doubt because of its rather flamboyant presentation.

The colour combination is completely 1970s and if you are not into the 70s look, you will most likely find it in poor taste. But this is for the lover of that era and you have to "get it" to like it.

The Bentley was designed to be the conservative man's Rolls-Royce, so we can well visualise its original purchaser ordering this "over-stated understatement" with its strong gold colour scheme. Not nouveau riche because it is a Bentley after all. But a young man from old money. Ordered from Saville Row thru Berkley Square, this was the Bentley of Bentleys of the 70s.

This is a European delivered example that has been incredibly well maintained over the years.

As the most obvious alteration from what might be expected to be found on a Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor car from this time could be considered that the seats are not trimmed with leather. As specified by the customer these are “gold Parkertex Savoy Velvet”, a velvet cloth of the finest quality to be used throughout the interior. The interior of the car is quite original; make no mistake, the velour interior came this way from the Crewe factory. And even though we are some 40 years on, it remains without a single mark or blemish nor sign of wear (as you might otherwise expect on such a fabric). The headlining, carpets, leather dash and console are all in stunning original condition.

Only the wood has been redone, but at what a blessing. At a cost of some $3,000 it is finished like glass with no less than 25 coats of clear lacquer each wet-sanded and buffed between coats to deliver a very deep and rich finish. It is the dark Milanese Burl walnut with a straight walnut crossbanding. Absolutely flawless in presentation.

In keeping with the design flare choice of its first owner, the car has a 70s "state of the art" Blaupunkt cassette player option fitted in concert with its Blue Dot Blaupunkt push-button radio. These were only just available. And, a set of factory fitted air horns. Of course it would have them! The leather bound steering was another factory option. And note, the leather used is of a burnish style finish so you see a natural brown and black patina. It is not worn this way but made to look antique. These are all handsome touches in the finest bespoke tradition of the era. Even the front headrests were special order as these are the type usually reserved for the Corniche model.

The car was repainted in the last 10 years but in its correct original colour - Regency Bronze (metallic). It was recently touched-up, wet-sanded, buffed and polished by the Park-Ward Museum as it was not previously finished off correctly and is now nice and shiny. Albeit with minor flaws and marks, and some inconsistencies below the waist lines on each side, she presents very well and is in excellent driver quality. A new vinyl top was fitted at the same time of the repaint and this is in excellent condition. The hand painted pin-striping was recently applied by the old craftsman art using the finest of squirrel brushes and a steady hand.

Chrome, glass and finshes are good. Being a 1974 European delivery Crewe product, this example would have originally had chrome bumpers. They were master-craft changed to the North American impact bumpers when the car was imported here a number of years ago. The work was carried out by a UK Rolls-Royce specialist so it was done in accordance with the European standard Silver Shadow II series cars - which were closer fitted to the car as opposed to the silly looking protruding shock-absorber mounted American versions. The stream-line look is complemented by the mainland Europe style of colour-coded front air dam, Lucas spot lights and rear number plate lights. The overall look and stance is stunning.

This very fine example of a Bentley was the subject of a detailed inspection, maintenance and recent major service by the Park-Ward Motor Museum - a leader in Rolls-Royce and Bentley restoration with over 30 years Rolls-Royce and Bentley experience. Anything needed doing was attended to and here stands an example with perfect hydraulics and brakes that is powerful, smooth driving and quiet on the road. Everything from the air conditioning, all the electricals and every feature and function is in good operating condition. Even the clock tick-tocks accurate time.

Only a very small number of Bentley Ts were made. They are the twin sister to the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. It is differentiated by a Bentley radiator grille, mascot and "Flying B". It has a slightly lower bonnet (hood) with different shaping in the sheet metal and sported “Bentley” hubcaps, boot and head-light brow badging - and for the European market only; Bentley badged engine valve covers, brake pedal and speedometer. This example is also fitted with a front air-dam (that usually “go missing” as a result of curb knocks).

Their limited number is notable; out of the 30,000 odd Silver Shadows manufactured only some 8% were Bentley Ts. They were even rarer in the US. This makes them highly desirable in their category. Especially when you consider the smaller amount that are left remaining – probably only some 100 remaining in the US. With this car presenting so ostentatiously, she is most likely the only one in the US!

This example of a Bentley T is in extremely beautiful condition and well in advance of typical examples. It is in outstanding driver condition and is not far from being show condition. It easily ranks a 9 out of 10 with its maintenance history and recent Park-Ward workshop and service status.

As expected of a fine example, the car comes with its correct jack, tools and operating manual. It even has its original set of Yale keys!

~~ This very statement of a Bentley T, 1970s fashioned in Regency Bronze with gold velour is in very fine condition and would make for a wonderful collectible classic and weekend driver. It is not a show car by definition but could comfortably be driven as-is to your next Rolls-Royce & Bentley meet with great pride and enthusiasm! ~~

For extra photos on this fine example go to the link below. The photos are of super high resolution so if you right click on any, you can zoom in and see every little detail and defect in considerable detail.

Click HERE to see some 150 high resolution photos

Click HERE to see some 150 high resolution photos

A note from RRMOTORSINC:

“For those Rolls-Royce enthusiasts who have followed my auctions in the past I welcome you all. For those who are new to my adverts and/or the marque, please note that as a serious collector of some 30 years, all my cars are truly described examples. I have my own private Rolls-Royce workshop (not open to the public but dedicated to my own cars) with trained Rolls-Royce craftsmen who are proficient in all aspects. We have now exceeded 200 Rolls-Royces and Bentleys restored and sold for shipping world-wide from our current premises. As a team, we are dedicated to the preservation of the marque and as such, any car that leaves the stable is completely inspected and work-shopped to ensure mechanical and operational items are maintained appropriately. We adopt a “keep it original” mentality with pride and confidence, offering after sales technical support and assistance well beyond the sale. Because most of my cars are offered for the pleasures of driving enjoyment it is not always possible or practical to seek perfection (in the true sense of the word) but we do always uphold excellence in whatever we do. Our cars are by no means cheap priced cars but we like to think they are amongst the best. To this end, I firmly believe in the famous adage; “Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.” We hope you do to.”

*We at Park-Ward Motors – the things we do.

When our Rolls-Royces are commissioned for resale, they are indeed professionally and correctly “fully work-shopped”. No corners are cut. And it is all addressed in true Crewe tradition. There is way too much to list here but to give you an example of our commitment to excellence of the various processes, this is one such example of what we do:

Doors and windows:-

Every car has its interior door panels removed. If the wood is in need of repair (as most are) it is refinished in-house by trained and talented craftsmen at Park-Ward Motors. This is a detailed process of stripping the wood of its old lacquer, repairing the veneer if there is damage, staining the top surface as per Rolls-Royce methodology and refinishing with no less than 25 coats of clear lacquer. Hand wet-sanded and polished between all of its last 15 coats. New window felt guides and wood-to-glass foam seals are fitted. All window mechanisms are checked and serviced for smooth and efficient up and down movement. This includes an electrical modification to rectify the typical “slow window syndrome”. All tracks, chains and gears are lubricated. Where central locking is fitted, these are all serviced to ensure no “solenoid sticking”, another common problem. Units are repaired and or changed as required for refurbished units. Door wiring and door-to-body wiring is checked, repaired and/or replaced as required. The splash plastic on the inside of the doors to protect the leather panels from rain splash from inside the door is replaced with correct specification black plastic as used by the factory. Cut to shape and glued in position as per original. All door hardware is checked and repaired as required including locks, handles and scuttle finishes. The door is reassembled with all items cleaned and polished. The wood refitted and the leather panels are re-Connollised before final fitment.

Take this example and apply it to the many, many different aspects of Rolls-Royce restoration, service and maintenance and you have our dedication to correct and professional vehicle pre-delivery preparation and commissioning.

**PLEASE read auction terms and conditions below BEFORE bidding.**

Standard Terms & Conditions for all Rolls-Royce & Bentley sales by RRMOTORSINC:

This Rolls-Royce/Bentley is part of a private collection. Although licensed and bonded, I am not a main-stream retail car dealer or broker; I am a professional car collector of some 30 years with considerable experience and knowledge of Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars. I have a long standing reputation being associated with the marque which I take seriously. I take pride in my cars and have fun in collecting and restoring them. However, auctions are not a game so when you place a bid or offer, and you are the winning bidder, please understand you have entered a binding contract. You cannot bid and win the auction and expect not to meet the terms and conditions. Bidding and/or winning does not mean you are expecting me to “hold” the car until you have the opportunity to inspect it. Any inspection contemplated should be undertaken BEFORE you bid or make an offer and I openly welcome any potential buyer to come and personally inspect the car. Once you bid or make an offer, you are doing so to buy WITHOUT conditions. Your bid can not be subject to anything. A $2000.00 deposit (non-refundable) is required within 24 hours of the close of the auction and payable by PayPal. The balance of funds are required within 7 days of the close of the auction and must be provided by cashier’s check or bank wire. I cannot accept PayPal for the balance. Full payment must be made (and payments cleared) before the title and/or the vehicle is released. All payments are non-refundable. Payments as described above form an important part of this purchase contract and so, if all the funds are not received as outlined above, I reserve the right to terminate the transaction without notice. If there has been any deposit or other part payments received and I elect to terminate the contract, I reserve the right to keep any such deposits or payments and resell the vehicle to another bidder or interested party or re-list the vehicle at any time. To be clear, if you change your mind for ANY reason and do not complete the transaction in the time-frame required, you will forfeit your deposit. I am happy to assist with shipping arrangements on a national and worldwide basis but the winning bidder takes full responsibility for pickup and/or shipping and at his cost.

As a collector and experienced restorer of the marque, I make every effort to bring my cars to a high standard. By comparison, my cars are generally superior to others available but they are by no means perfect. You must expect some issues. Unless specifically stated, the car is not of show standard but of nice "driver" condition. Please understand, show cars of this model cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to achieve and sell for prices commensurate, so the sale price of this car reflects its relative condition. You are buying "condition" accordingly. Buyers should not expect to receive concours quality or "perfect" cars at these prices. Please also understand, the very nature of these classic Rolls-Royces is such that it is not always possible to attend to every item, or perhaps I may have inadvertently overlooked items. Further, and very importantly, these cars are classic cars also because they are old. So this means a 39 year old car is predominantly comprised of 39 year old parts. And old parts will fail. All buyers must understand and expect that things can or will wear out, break and/or stop functioning without notice. This is even more likely with hand-built English cars of early technology when compared to the typical American car of the same vintage. Please note, fitted radio/stereo systems are usually subject to upgrade by purchasers so I do not ensure operation of these. Similarly, cruise control systems fitted to these classics were of an inferior design and I do not check or warrant the operation of these. Suspension and brakes on these cars are complex. We thoroughly check them and replace things that are identified faulty. But please understand, by example; if we change a brake line because it appears aged or faulty, we do NOT at the same time replace all other hoses because they are of similar age. This is considered "preventative maintenance". We do not do this unless specifically requested and is not included in the purchase price. Feel free to ask for this additional service. Further, a feature or function that is working perfectly one moment, may decide to play-up the next. After all, it is some 38 years old. This is the nature of any classic car and especially a Rolls-Royce which was very "complicated" for its era. For this reason it is necessary for the following condition:

The vehicle is being sold "as-is/where-is" with no warranty expressed, written or implied. Any descriptions or representations are made with reasonable judgment and all efforts are made to ensure fair assessment and accuracy but they are for descriptive and identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. The seller shall not be responsible for errors in description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein and makes no warranty in connection therewith. If any aspect of the description contradicts what can be seen in the photos, then the photos shall prevail as the reference point. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, unforeseen imperfection, defect or damage. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have satisfied himself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects at the buyer’s request prior to the close of the auction. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any written or oral statements about the vehicle. Being a classic car in excess of 10 years of age, in most US states, the mileage may be recorded as “exempt”. In this regard the seller makes no warranties as to the accuracy of the mileage indicated or shown. I can hold the vehicle up to 30 days while you arrange shipping but you must immediately insure it. I will not bear any responsibility for any additional costs including storage, transportation, or repair after the close of the auction. Whereas I am happy to store the car in excess of 30 days from auction end, a cost of $35 per day shall apply beyond 30 days of auction end. Also, you must remember that this is a classic +/-39 year old vehicle, and while it is up to you, I do not recommend that you just “hop in and drive it across the country”until you have familiarised yourself with the car. At least, I have never done that. I have always professionally transported the cars in enclosed carriers from where I bought them to my home.

PLEASE; IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ABIDE BY THESE TERMS, CONTACT ME BEFORE YOU BID AS, RESPECTFULLY, THERE CAN BE NO EXCEPTIONS.

I am sorry if these terms seem harsh but there seem to be some very unrealistic buyers out there - fortunately, only few of these people exist but those that do can make life difficult, so it appears EVERYTHING needs to spelled out. Very simply put, this is an old car being offered for sale. It is not new and is subject to the perils of age. Further, Rolls-Royces are not without nuances, idiosyncrasies and they are renown for a host of design issues which can make them not inexpensive to maintain. This is well documented in many circles. You need to be a special and considerate type of purchaser to own a Rolls-Royce. Their down-side is part of the fun in owning them! As the old saying goes; "we love to hate them and hate to love them!" So, please respect the terms and conditions when you bid.

~~oo00oo~~

~~ **Please note: This Rolls-Royce is part of the collection of the Park-Ward Motor Museum. As a professional collector and experienced restorer, I have my own Rolls-Royce dedicated workshop with qualified craftsmen on hand. As a passionate collector of the marque I take great pride and pleasure in passing on any of my cars to its next owner (“caretaker”). In so doing, once this Rolls-Royce is sold, I will put the car back thru my workshop to ensure that it is mechanically sound and all major features and functions are operating as described even though the car is contractually being sold "as-is". Certain items such as final electrical tests and hydraulic pressure checks are usually left for this stage as these are considered "commissioning procedures". This and considerable other work will be performed after the sale and before delivery. This is all done at NO CHARGE. Who else selling a Rolls-Royce on eBay does this?! Depending on our work load, please allow approximately 7-10 business days for this procedure. For more information on the Park-Ward Motor Museum and our skills, please obtain my details on my "home page" or eBay message me and I would be happy to show you some 200 Rolls-Royces restored to varying levels over the last few years ~~

VALUES:

Classic Rolls-Royce & Bentley values vary wildly, entirely dependent on their condition. There are, of course, other aspects that add or subtract from their values – Long Wheel Base versus regular, the year which dictated certain technical changes, etc. The colour alone, for example can make a big difference. So for the benefit of new-comers to the marque please see the approximate guide to values based on a particular model below. Please remember, these are “plus-or-minus” figures: