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.

Recommissioning Efforts by P&A Wood

Bentley apprentices began dismantling and assessing the T-Series before handing it to P&A Wood, specialists in Bentley restoration. The recommissioning was led by Louise Wood and supported by Coachwork Manager Dave Lowe, who has over 23 years of experience.

Restoration of Key Drivetrain Components

The vehicle’s drivetrain was found in remarkably good condition. The engine started successfully after 15 years, requiring only a service, while the gearbox needed minor adjustments. The rear axle was also in good shape, only needing new seals.

Challenges Faced in Restoration

The team encountered significant challenges, including the absence of a dashboard, interior trim, and a fragmented wiring loom without a diagram. Corrosion around the rear subframe and previous poor crash repairs also posed obstacles. A donor vehicle, matching the early T-Series specification, was sourced to provide missing parts.

Attention to Detail in Restoring the T-Series

Every aspect of the restoration was carefully considered, from the correct Rolls-Royce logo on the seat belts to the absence of wing mirrors. The unique Vibrashock mounts and hydro-pneumatic ride height system were thoroughly overhauled, with hydraulic hoses replaced and brake distribution valves restored.

Bodywork and Finishing Touches

During the paint restoration process, poorly repaired accident damage and panel misalignments were uncovered. One rear wing was replaced, and the vehicle received multiple coats of 2k high-build primer. The team ensured the final finish stayed true to the original Bentley craftsmanship, with hand-sanding and machine polishing. Brightwork and bumpers were cleaned and polished to retain the car’s original patina.

Reunion with Its Press Office Registration

Now restored, the T-Series is reunited with its original press office registration number, 1900 TU. It joins 45 other cars in Bentley’s Heritage Collection in Crewe, where it will be maintained in running, road-legal condition.

Design Innovations of the Bentley T-Series

The T-Series was Bentley’s first monocoque model, developed alongside the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. It featured a design by John Blatchley, which improved passenger space while reducing the vehicle’s size. The car was powered by a 225 bhp, 6.23-liter V8 engine, with advanced engineering that included sub-frames mounted on Vibrashock rubber to isolate road noise and vibration.

Engineering Milestones of the T-Series

The 1965 Bentley T-Series was notable for its revolutionary engineering, marking a shift away from separate chassis construction. It achieved impressive performance for a four-door sedan of its time, reaching a maximum speed of 115 mph and 0-62 mph in 10.9 seconds. A total of 1,868 first-generation T-Series models were produced, with most being standard four-door saloons.

Source

1965宾利T系列, 1965年ベントレーTシリーズ, בנטלי T-סדרה 1965, بنتلي تي سيريز 1965, Бентли Т-серия 1965, 1965 벤틀리 T 시리즈, เบนท์ลีย์ ที-ซีรีส์ 1965.