Lovely, solid example from cherished family ownership
Rare factory alloys
The Appeal
Back when it debuted in 1965, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was billed as the best car in the world. A bold claim, but one not without foundation, for it was both technologically advanced and a delight to drive.
It also spawned the first ever unitary-construction Bentley, the T1, which debuted the same year to replace the S-Series models, its traditional round-shouldered Bentley front grille being the only material styling difference from the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow – it was also somewhat lower at bonnet height, giving it a slightly more assertive look.
The T was upgraded to the "T2" in 1977, which featured rack and pinion steering, improved air conditioning, rubber-faced bumpers, a new fascia and a front air dam, similar to the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II.
It continued in production until 1981, but the T2 was always one of the rarest Shadow variations – just 558 were made in a production run lasting almost five years.
Registered in May 1978, car number 33,837 is an early example of the T2 with a carburettor-fed fuel system. It was company owned for the first few years of its life and in 1985 it was given a full respray by its third owner, who changed the colour from its original Walnut Brown to stately Dempster Green. 39 years on, the paint job still looks great and the car has been cherished by its most recent owners.
It was specialist maintained until 2011 when it had covered 124,000 miles, all documented in the service history, and has been maintained since by the vendor, who inherited the car from his late father in 2022. He acknowledges that, with other classics to play with, the Bentley no longer gets the use it deserves, so he has reluctantly decided to part with it. 8tKx0MN0fZkHivNymJj76s7b6swK2A7svW2mszXe.jpg1.35 MB
History and Paperwork
UK V5C in name of vendor
Car number SBH33837
Matching body and engine numbers
Copies of old V5s
A number of old tax discs and MOT certificates is included
Comprehensive service history filling two service books from new until 124k in 2011, self-maintained since by enthusiast owners
Warranted mileage of 52,036
Tax, MOT and ULEZ/CAZ exempt
Some bills and invoices, including receipts for new door cappings and regular maintenance at one of the UK’s best-regarded Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists. p3SPnG4RVzs234UxWAB5Usgkqq9CtV4Xsk4IWR4D.jpg896.81 KB
The Condition
Repainted in 1985 in Demspter Green, and still looks very smart
Generally good condition with no notable paint flaws and just some minor bubbles to offside front wing and inner arch
Some very minor paint chips and imperfections
One small area of thin paint on nearside front wing
Perfect bonnet mascot and grille
Original, rare Bentley headlight surrounds
Appears sound underneath
Rare factory alloys with good quality and factory correct Avon Turbosteel tyres all-round
Very good chrome all-round
Optional Lucas front and rear fog lamps
Everflex roof in excellent order, with no evidence of bubbling underneath
Rich beige leather seats in wonderful order with no obvious damage
Burr walnut veneers, some minor wear on dash. All door cappings refurbished to a high standard in recent ownership
Original Blaupunkt push-button radio compelte with fascia instructions
Fluid-operated suspension, brakes and power-assisted steering, all in good order
Maintained by the vendor for the past decade, and subject to a recent oil/filter service in late 2023, along with a brake fluid change
Reported by the vendor to drive superbly – quiet, refined, comfortable and with no untoward noises, with all functions and controls operating correctly
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