1978 BENTLEY T2 SALOON                                 from...

Hammer

£30,500

1978 BENTLEY T2 SALOON                                

from The Aldeburgh Collection

Registration Number: LGH 746T                           
Chassis Number: SBH 35063
Recorded Mileage: 93,000 miles

- Rare and desirable in original Mason’s Black with St. James Red leather interior
- Investment of over £80,000 in recent maintenance and repair works

Outwardly distinguishable from the Silver Shadow only by virtue of its different radiator and winged 'B' mascot, the T-Series Bentley was introduced alongside its Rolls-Royce sibling in 1965. Mechanically identical, the duo represented a complete break with tradition, being the first of the Crewe factory's models to employ unitary construction. Originally of 6,230cc, the pushrod V8 engine grew to 6,750cc in 1970 and provided identical power in either application. Nevertheless, Autocar's T2 proved fastest of the Shadow family that the magazine had tested, accelerating to 60mph in under 10 seconds and achieving a maximum speed of 119mph. Introduced in 1977 alongside the Shadow II, the T2 gained split-level air-conditioning, rack and pinion steering, revised dashboard and a chin spoiler. Bentley was seen as very much the 'junior' marque at this time - its resurgence in the form of the Mulsanne Turbo was still some five years away - and sold in correspondingly limited numbers. By the time production ceased in 1980, only 568 Bentley T2s had found customers compared with over 10,500 Rolls-Royce Shadow IIs, and today this arguably more handsome car is increasingly sought after.

This unique Bentley T2 was produced in September of 1978, finished in the rare and discrete colour scheme of Mason’s Black with a St. James Red leather interior. With just five registered keepers from new, from 2019 to the present day the Bentley has enjoyed a huge amount of investment in its engine, drivetrain, suspension, braking, hydraulic and electrical systems, coachwork and trim to produce the simply stunning example presented today. 

The extensive history file contains invoices totalling over £80,000 in maintenance and repair works since 2019, with a further £10,000 in bills in the preceding 5-6 years. The majority of recent work has been undertaken with noted specialists such as Nigel Sandell of Isleworth, RR&B Garages of Bromsgrove, and Pride and Joy Classic Cars of Southend-on-Sea, with earlier maintenance courtesy of Gordon Dale of Brentford. The most recent maintenance was a minor engine rebuild by Sandells in the last few months. As a nod to modernity and convenience the T2 is fitted with a handy reversing camera and also a modern Pioneer in-car entertainment system. Unsurprisingly given its history and condition, the Bentley Driver’s Club were happy to issue our T2 with an agreed valuation of £40,000 in 2021.

Exceedingly desirable in this colour scheme, this is without doubt the best example we have had the pleasure to consign, and one which comes very highly recommended. The Bentley is offered with a comprehensive file of invoices, current and older MoT certificates, BDC valuation and UK V5C document.