∙6.7L engine

∙Electric windows

∙Sunroof

∙Good interior

∙Sound body

∙Only 31,000 miles

Produced by Bentley between 1965 & 1980, the T1 was the Bentley badged version of Rolls-Royce’s Silver Shadow.

Effectively, the Bentley & Rolls were the same car with the only difference being the Bentley spec radiator grill.

A completely new design from any predecessors, the T1 featured disc brakes all round, independent self-levelling suspension, electric seats and an upgraded automatic 4 speed gearbox.

Well, the story starts with comedian Bernard Manning, ordering this car to his own personal specification.

This included amongst others a full-length sunroof, black leather to the dash & door tops and of course the vinyl roof, a must have in the early 70’s.  First registered on the 14th of June 1971 with the number YKT 60J, it must’ve been the star of the show parked outside his Embassy Club in Rochdale.

Subsequently put onto a private number plate, it lost its eligibility for the original number and when re-registered when the private plate was transferred, it was assigned ALG 146J which it wears today.

Passing through a number of enthusiasts hands over the last 50 years, and it is now for sale as a project which should appeal to any Bentley fan.

There is a current V5c with the car, various Mot certificates, tax discs, receipts for work and parts over the years.

There is a letter regarding the original registration number, an original handbook, a few photos where it appeared in classic car magazines, copies of old registration docs etc.

Quite a large file tracing it’s history back through the years and appearing to confirm its low mileage.

Finished in beige leather with black leather dash & beige roof lining, the interior has passed the test of time very well.

Yes, the leather on the seats is creased (not cracked )with age , but a little careful cleaning & treated to a bit of leather food would bring them up well.

There is a small rip in the rear bench seat which is shown in the photos.

The carpets in green to match the exterior are generally in very good condition, as too is the roof lining and walnut dash.

Bernhards choice of leather for the door tops has paid off well, as these are often in a poor state when spec’d in wood after 50 years in the sunshine.

Overall, a good interior which with bit of care would no doubt last another 50.

Finished in green with a beige vinyl roof, this Bentley no doubt carried its head high when first off the production line.

Whilst appearing to be sound, the body is appearing to show its age.

The paintwork is peeling in places with a little rust showing through. Hopefully our photo’s show the extent of this around the bases of most of the windows, the bonnet edge, some on the front wings

all pointing towards the fact that this T1 could do with a bit of tidying. The peeling could be due to poor preparation for a previous re-spray, or it could just be that the time has come for some exterior love.

The vinyl roof is also just starting to peel away in places and the cloth sunroof is slightly torn.

Chromework is overall in good condition 

All in all, tidy from a few feet away, but it’s time to address those paint work issues before they go too far.

That lovely V8 engine purrs when it bursts into life and appears to run sweetly. We drove a few miles to take photos and the gearbox appears to change up and down the box without any dramas.

No knocks or creaking could be heard from the suspension, & it appeared to glide over the local uneven roads. Bentleys & Rolls of this era all appear to be a little soft in comparison to today’s expectations of a more supportive ride.

This 70’s classic is ripe for restoration, it drives, most electrics appear to work, and its last Mot expired in August 2020 so that should be some assurance as to the car’s soundness.

With a little love & fettling, and of course a little paint, this Bentley T1 could very soon be back to its original 1970s splendour.

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