Lot 478: 1967 Bentley T-Series Two-Door Saloon

Rolls-Royce’s adoption of unitary construction for its new Silver Shadow and T-Series Bentley necessitated the reorganisation of in-house coachbuilder H J Mulliner, Park Ward to meet the challenge of producing new designs on the Shadow floorpan. The variety of body styles offered was limited to just two - a two-door saloon or similar drophead coupé - the former arriving in March 1966 and the latter in September the following year. Some of the frontal panels were shared with the standard four-door saloon, but otherwise the new bodyshells were unique, featuring a distinctive dipping upper wing line with parallel crease, and revised, more rounded posterior. Despite a price some 50% greater than the standard saloon’s, demand was strong right from the start, a state of affairs that resulted in the introduction of the outwardly similar Corniche in 1971. At this time, the Bentley marque’s image suffered from its not being sufficiently differentiated from that of Rolls-Royce, a situation that would not be remedied until the introduction of the Mulsanne Turbo in the 1980s. The result was greatly reduced sales, making a Bentley of this period a much rarer car than the equivalent Rolls-Royce. For example: between 1967 and 1971, 571 Mulliner, Park Ward-bodied Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow two-door saloons were manufactured compared to a mere 98 of the Bentley version! Today, however, the revival of the Bentley marque has seen a commensurate upsurge in demand for these rare T-Series models. Much rarer and arguably far more handsome than the Rolls-Royce version, this Bentley MPW two-door saloon benefits from a comprehensive coachwork restoration undertaken eight years ago by specialists Axtell of Bramley at a total cost in excess of £21,500, while additional invoices confirm that it has been very well cared for. The vendor advises us that he believes the current recorded mileage of a little over 31,000 is correct, and that the car has been used sparingly during recent years. Finished in gold with black leather interior, the car is offered with the aforementioned invoices and comes with current road fund licence/MoT and Swansea V5.