Bentley T-series

Infobox Automobile
name=Bentley T-series


manufacturer=Bentley
production=1965–1980
engine =6230/6750 cc Rolls-Royce V8
predecessor=S3
successor=Mulsanne
related=Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Camargue
Corniche/ContinentalThe Bentley T-Series was the Bentley badged version of the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. It was available as a four door saloon or a two door saloon with coachwork by James Young and Mulliner Park Ward: a two door convertible was introduced in September 1967 with coachwork by Mulliner Park Ward and a power operated hood. The Bentley was differentiated from its Rolls Royce sibling by its front grill. The other point of difference to attract comment was said to result from the lower production cost of the Bentley grill. In October 1966 the T saloon's pretax 'list price' of GBP 5375 undercut that of the Rolls Royce by GBP 50cite book |last=Cardew|first=Basil |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Daily Express Review of the 1966 Motor Show|year=1966 |publisher=Beaverbrook Newspapers Ltd |location=London |id=] .

The Bentley, being technically an identical twin of the Rolls-Royce, seems to have been bought mostly by owners wishing a little more understatement. The formerly more sporting image of Bentley motor cars differing from Rolls-Royces was gone by the time the Silver Shadow/Bentley T was introduced and thus couldn't motivate buyers any more. The outward appearance of a Bentley T is slightly more dynamic because the bonnet design is a few centimetres lower and the radiator shell shape with its rounded edges is smoother. In addition, the badging on wheel covers, boot lid and gauges featured Bentley motifs rather than Rolls-Royce ones. Standard features included electrically operated windows and electrically adjustable front seats.

The upgraded T2 featured rack and pinion steering, improved air conditioning, rubber bumpers, a new fascia and a front air dam, similarly to the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II.

The T1 was manufactured from 1965-1977 and the T2 was made from 1977-1980.

Production

* T1: 1968
** T1 saloon (Oct 1965-1977): 1703
** T1 long wheelbase (1971-1976): 9
** T1 two door saloon (1966-1971): 114 (15 by James Young)
** T1 coupé by Pininfarina (1968): 1
** T1 convertible (Sep 1967-1971): 41
* T2: 568
** T2 (1977-1980): 558
** T2 long wheelbase (1977-1980): 10

Famous Owners

Top Gear presenter James May owned a Bentley T2; it was featured on Episode 1, Series 2 of the show. It was given away in 2007. [cite web
url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=A1YourView&xml=/motoring/2007/10/13/mrmay13.xml
title=Baby you can drive my car
author=James May
publisher=The Daily Telegraph
date=13 October 2007
accessdate=2008-05-28]

References