Bentley has successfully completed an eight-year restoration of its first T-Series, a model that had been concealed for decades. Launched in 1965 as a counterpart to the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, the T-Series marked Bentley’s transition to unibody construction.
The T-Series, bearing chassis number SBH1001, was initially used as a press vehicle before being stored in a warehouse. When Bentley rediscovered the car, it was non-operational, with its interior completely stripped. Restoration work began in late 2016 with Bentley apprentices dismantling and reconditioning the body. The project faced delays but resumed a few years later with the assistance of specialist restorer P&A Wood.
Bentley reported that the 6.2-liter V-8 engine was largely intact and required only a thorough servicing, while the General Motors-designed Hydramatic transmission needed minor repairs. The hydraulic self-leveling suspension, using technology licensed from Citroën, was overhauled with all hydraulic hoses replaced.
Due to the unavailability of specific parts, particularly for the missing interior, the restoration team sourced a donor T-Series nearing the end of its life. Every detail was meticulously checked, including the seatbelt buckles, which featured Rolls-Royce logos.
The fully restored T-Series will now be part of Bentley’s heritage collection at its Crewe headquarters in the U.K. A total of 1,868 first-generation T-Series vehicles were produced, predominantly as sedans. The model range was later expanded to include a coupe in 1966 and a convertible in 1967, with a combined production of just 41 units for these body styles. The T-Series was succeeded by the second-generation T2, which was produced from 1977 to 1980.
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