Here’s one that doesn’t darken our BF doorway often, a 1967 Bentley T1. This specimen is in magnificent condition and still shows as new. The seller mentions that this automobile has had just two owners and only one servicing mechanic for the last 40 years. The listing is light on details, but the images are extensive, so let’s delve in and see what’s here. Those with an interest will find this very refined motor car located in Rockville, Maryland, and available here on craigslist for $27,995. Thanks are due to Mitchell G. for this tip!
Bentley’s “T” series was introduced in ’65 and produced until 1980. Our subject is specifically a T1 that was offered between ’65 and ’77 and assembled in two-door hardtop and convertible as well as a standard and long wheelbase four-door sedan. The total volume over the sixteen years amounted to approximately 2,300 copies. The understated bearing of this car is just magnificent – and you can’t go wrong with Brewster Green! The finish still has plenty of depth with the chrome and stainless trim delivering a deep luster. If the classic lines of this saloon look familiar, they are; it’s essentially a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, a result of Rolls’ acquisition of Bentley in 1931 and the resulting component sharing. One item definitely unique to Bentley, however, is the unmistakable grille – it’s Bentley through and through.
Only Connolly hides were good enough to upholster a Bentley automobile, and their condition in this case is shockingly excellent for a 58-year-old car. The mileage listing is 26K, but there’s no authentication of that reading; whatever the case, this sedan has been gently used and carefully maintained. And it’s not just the seats, the excellence continues right on through the carpet, door cards, dash, and instrument panel. The only detraction is the modern DIN radio/CD player, but that’s a very minor deviation. We’re told the Fridgidaire A-6 compressor-powered A/C system is in working order.
Behind that distinctive grille is a 200 gross HP, 6.2-liter V8 engine driving the rear wheels via a GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic transmission. There’s no mention of running or driving characteristics, but there is no reason to suspect an issue. I will say that I am surprised at the engine’s moderate power rating. I guess I was expecting something more robust.
Despite their minor differences, I’d have to say that I prefer this generation Bentley over its Rolls-Royce cousin. Yes, the styling and mechanicals are similar, but the iconic Bentley grille and its legacy of performance are too hard for me to ignore. While I’m really down with this Bentley T1, I really wouldn’t know what I’d do with it – it seems too nice to drive and enjoy. But that’s just me; how about you?
SO glad the seller can enjoy a moment of levity.
Am I wrong or do RR of similar vintage seem to command lower prices?
Bentley is Rolls Royce’s big brother ~ more expensive.
The hood is also unique to the Bentley version; the raised center section is slightly lower with rounded shoulders to mate with the Bentley grille shell. I gather those along with the valve covers and badging were pretty much the only differences from the RR version.
Not sure about the stated power rating, as RR famously declined to publish such vulgar figures, only stating power as “adequate”. When the Bentley turbo version debuted, that became “more than adequate”. That said, marine versions of the L-series V8 with the same 6.25-litre displacement were apparently good for peak power of 240 bhp.
Beautiful car-not to be a downer but seriously I’d need to know more about those pristine looking “Connolly” hides-they look flawless-as leather ages it naturally develops small cracks and patina-this looks to me like a repop. Still, a rare and lovely machine from the classic Bentley era.
Everything on this car looks to be either new or meticulously cared for other than the underhood. If the seat covers have been replaced they were done perfectly by a top rated upholstery shop. The fit is perfect.
That seems like a very nice example of the breed. Things like the leather and wood interior are so expensive to retore properly that this is definitely one of those cars where is makes no sense to buy a rough one and try to bring it up to standard, much more economical to buy the best one you can find to start with.
Even though as noted in the write-up, by this point in time the Bentley was nothing more than a badge-engineered version of the equivalent Rolls Royce model, I’ve always preferred the more understated styling. Image-wise it always seemed back in the day that the Rolls was first choice of celebrities and rock-stars who wanted to show off, whereas the Bentley felt a bit classier? even if they were basically the same car under the skin.
You had me at Grey Poupon…
Just a beautiful car. Meant for someone who can afford to have it looked after properly.
I do get scared away when I look in the engine compartment and can’t see the engine .
Wow, what a ride. Good luck!
no matter the car and you neither will last forever buy it drive it have fun show it off if you can keep it going for as long as you last, it will have provided you and others yeeears of fun!!
I’ve seen this before on RRs of similar vintage. The interior is all Connoly leather and burled walnut, and then a steering wheel that looks like it came out of a school bus.
This thing reeks of…CLASS, PURE CLASS!
Thought I was high there for a minute but at least I’ve been “vidicated”, seeing the first pic before reading the write up I thought to myself “Bentley? That looks an awful lot like a Rolls” lol.
This first generation of RR/Bentley uni-body cars are notorious as money pits for repairs. While this one looks meticulous inside and out, I would be fearful with 126,000+ miles. NB: seller states at bottom of listing, “odometer rolled over.” The formal upright Rolls grill took more extensive work to hand-make than the curvaceous Bentley grill. The Grill, hood, wheel covers or caps were unique, along with minor badges inside and out. I was fortunate in 1977 to tour the production facility at Crewe. At that time management discussed discontinuing the slower selling Bentley, until they noticed around London, GB an increase in sales. Upon investigation with customers, they discovered Valet Attendants expected a £10 note for a Rolls, but only a £5 note for a Bentley! The difference in price in 1977 was ~$500 [from memory].