Highlights

Early example of Shadow-based Bentley T1
Amazing history file
Fully restored
Original titled owner and factory build records

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.

This one is a historied car that has just had a full restoration and is presented in stunning condition, finished in the extremely rare special-order colour of Black Pearl metallic with grey leather.

The build records confirm that the car was ordered from Jack Barclay in London by a Colonel J D Horning OBE, the officer in charge of the Queen's Bodyguard at the West Grinstead Stud, London EC4, with the optional extras of Sundym glass and tubeless tyres.

Only 1,712 T1s were made and according to howmanyleft.co.uk, there are only 10 left in the UK with MOTs. The car comes with over £23,000 worth of invoices for work carried out in the last three years alone, plus other works carried out over previous ownership.

Having been around Bentleys for most of his life, the vendor purchased the car from a deceased estate via a luxury high-end car dealership in central London as a cosmetic restoration project with the idea of keeping it forever, but he is no longer able to use it as much as he wished. His son is classic car restorer and in mid-2023 he began the restoration, including having it stripped back to metal and repainted in the original colour – a photographic record of the restoration is included in the sale.

As the photos show, the car was extremely solid, other than a section of one rear wheel arch, where a new panel was fitted. Both Silver Lady Rolls-Royce specialists and the MOT tester commented on how surprisingly solid the car was underneath.

For the new owner, this will be a fine opportunity to own one of the best surviving T1s, presented in superb overall order and ready to use, show and enjoy.

The History and Paperwork

UK V5C in the name of the vendor
Car number SBH12250
Covered a genuine 64,576 miles
Massive history files including full Bentley build info etc
MOT until August 2026 no advisories (MOT and Tax exempt)
Matching body and engine numbers
Copies of old V5s
A number of old tax discs and MOT certificates is included
Comprehensive service history filling three box files
Tax, MOT and ULEZ/CAZ exempt
Some bills and invoices from previous ownership
Over £23k in invoices from current ownership
Restoration photos on file
Handwritten book detailing all work and journeys from October 1997 to September 2002
Spare Key, MOT, HPI certificate, Owners handbook, original build record copy and warranty documents
Photo of car at RREC Silver Shadow 60th celebration, attended by the owner’s son
Full set of Workshop manuals, a box full of RREC Books and other paraphernalia.

The Condition

Repainted in 2023 in original Pearl Black, and still looks amazing
One very minor scratch to one door, some tiny bubbles on one arch and two very small microblisters on front scuttle panel
The car had several coats of rust preventer and then primer, finally given several coats of the original Black Pearl metallic and lacquer, this was completed in 2023, and the car still looks immaculate
Perfect bonnet mascot and grille
Original, rare Bentley headlight surrounds
Appears sound underneath
Very good chrome all-round – very minor pitting to front bumper
Rich grey leather seats in wonderful order with no obvious damage
Burr walnut veneers and door cappings presented in fabulous order
Period-looking Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB stereo with all the modern DAB and Bluetooth features and electric aerial
Air conditioning
Four electric windows
4 brand new tyres
External temperature thermometer
Original Rolls-Royce tool kit

The Mechanics

6,750cc OHV V8
Three-speed auto
Fluid-operated suspension, brakes and power-assisted steering, all in good order
Some of the mechanical works carried out by renowned RR and Bentley specialists Silver Lady at a special trade rate of £3,922.65
Drives superbly – quiet, refined, comfortable and with no untoward noises, with all functions and controls operating correctly, as we found out with a short test drive

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.