FYI: Bentley completes an eight-year restoration of its first iconic T-Series, unveiling a piece of its prestigious history.
Bentley Unveils Restored First-Ever T-Series
Bentley’s Iconic Restoration Achievement
Bentley has triumphantly completed the remarkable, eight-year restoration of its first T-Series model, a hidden gem that lay undiscovered for decades.
A Historic Launch in 1965
The T-Series made its debut in 1965 as a sibling to the esteemed Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. With Rolls-Royce owning Bentley during that period, the two models shared an almost indistinguishable appearance, differentiated only by brand-specific grilles and hood ornaments. Significantly, both cars heralded a shift toward unibody construction, marking a pivotal evolution for these luxury giants.
Unibody Construction: A Lifesaver for Bentley
Unibody construction was a revolutionary move, and for Bentley, it was a lifeline. The T-Series helped sustain Bentley through its 15-year production run. Notably, only 1,868 units of the first-generation T-Series were manufactured, most of which were sedans.
Discovering a Hidden Treasure: Chassis SBH1001
The very first T-Series, identified by its chassis number SBH1001, served as a press car before it was relegated to storage. When Bentley rediscovered it, the vehicle was in a dire state; it was not functional, and its entire interior was missing.
The Remarkable Restoration Journey
The restoration began in earnest in late 2016, initiated by a dedicated group of Bentley apprentices who meticulously removed the trim and reconditioned the body. After a temporary halt, renowned Bentley restorer P&A Wood joined to assist in the meticulous process.
Key restoration efforts included:
- Engine Rejuvenation: The 6.2-liter V-8 engine, in surprisingly good condition, required only extensive servicing.
- Transmission Repair: The General Motors-designed Hydramatic transmission needed minor adjustments.
- Hydraulic Overhaul: The Citroën-licensed self-leveling suspension system underwent a complete overhaul, including the replacement of all hydraulic hoses.
Rebuilding the Interior from Scratch
Given the absence of readily available parts, especially for the missing interior, the team sourced another end-of-life T-Series. Each detail, down to the seat-belt buckles bearing Rolls-Royce logos, was painstakingly replicated.
A Symbol of Heritage and Luxury
Now meticulously restored, this iconic T-Series has found its rightful place within Bentley’s heritage collection at their Crewe headquarters in the U.K.
The Limited Production Legacy
While most of the first-generation T-Series were sedans, Bentley introduced a coupe in 1966 and a convertible a year later. However, these variants were exceedingly rare, with a combined production total of just 41 cars. The second-generation T2 continued the T-Series legacy, remaining in production until 1980.
Bentley’s extensive restoration of its first T-Series model is a testament to the brand’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage and luxury craftsmanship. This meticulously restored vehicle not only brings history to life but also reinforces Bentley’s status as a timeless icon in the automotive world.
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Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
