1965 Bentley T-Series

The world’s oldest Bentley T-Series, a standard saloon in Shell Grey, has been returned to Crewe after 59 years. After careful recommissioning, the car retains much of its original components and running gear. It now takes a place in the Bentley Heritage Collection, which displays road and race cars from Bentley’s 105-year history.

• The 1965 Bentley T-Series, a standard saloon in Shell Grey, has been returned to Crewe after 59 years and recommissioned with its original components.

• Chassis number SBH1001, the first Bentley T-Series off the production line, was used as a company trials car and featured in the 1965 Paris Salon de l’Auto.

• After decades in storage with missing parts, the decision to restore this vehicle was based on its historical significance as the first of its model.

• Bentley apprentices began dismantling the car before handing it over to P&A Wood, specialists in restoring classic Bentleys.

• Key drivetrain components, including the engine, gearbox, and rear axle, were found in good condition, requiring only minimal restoration.

• Major restoration challenges included missing interior components, wiring loom damage, corrosion, and previous poor crash repairs, leading to the use of a donor vehicle.

• The restoration process focused on accuracy, including details like the correct Rolls-Royce logo on seat belt buckles and restoring unique components such as the Vibrashock mounts and hydro-pneumatic ride height system.

• The vehicle’s bodywork was restored, addressing accident damage and inconsistent panel gaps, with the paintwork finished in the traditional Bentley style.

• Reunited with its original press office registration, 1900 TU, the restored T-Series joins Bentley’s Heritage Collection in Crewe.

• The Bentley T-Series was the first Bentley with a monocoque body, powered by a 6.23-liter V8 engine, and hailed for its advanced engineering and lightweight construction, achieving 115 mph and 0-62 mph in 10.9 seconds.

Significance of the T-Series Chassis Number SBH1001

Chassis number SBH1001 was used as a company trials car and featured in the press coverage of the 1965 Paris Salon de l’Auto. When discovered, the vehicle had not been in operation for decades and was missing essential parts, including the entire interior. Its significance as the first T-Series off the production line, or the equivalent Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, led to its restoration, aiming to preserve the original car.