World’s Oldest Bentley T-Series Makes Triumphant Return to Crewe
The Bentley T-Series, the oldest in the world and a gleaming standard saloon in Shell Grey, has made a historic return to its birthplace in Crewe after 59 long years. This venerable vehicle, chassis number SBH1001, has been sensitively recommissioned, preserving its original essence—from its componentry to its running gear—and now proudly resides in the Bentley Heritage Collection. This collection showcases an impressive roster of road and race cars, narrating the rich 105-year legacy of Bentley.
Originally serving as a company trials car, this T-Series made its debut in the spotlight during the 1965 Paris Salon de l'Auto, captivating attendees and press alike. Decades later, found under a dusty cover in storage, the car was a shell of its former glory, lacking a functional interior and needing significant restoration. Its historical significance as the inaugural T-Series—or its Rolls Royce Silver Shadow counterpart—off the production line made it a prime candidate for a meticulous recommissioning, with the aim to retain as much originality as possible.
Mike Sayer, Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, shared the discovery and restoration journey, "Discovering the T-Series under a tarp in a warehouse corner was like finding a hidden treasure. Realizing its significance, we were compelled to restore it. Now, paired with our T-Series Mulliner Coupe, this sedan beautifully completes our depiction of Bentley’s heritage from the 1960s and 70s."
The restoration was entrusted to P&A Wood, specialists renowned for their expertise in reviving classic Bentleys. The project was led by Louise Wood, with the indispensable support of Dave Lowe, a seasoned expert in coachwork. Despite missing several key components like the dashboard and interior trim, and facing challenges like a fragmented wiring loom and corrosion, the team was undeterred. A donor vehicle provided necessary parts, ensuring the car retained its early model specifications, including accurate Rolls-Royce logos and original seat belt buckles.
The mechanical elements of the T-Series were surprisingly intact. The engine roared to life after 15 years of silence, requiring only a service, while the gearbox and rear axle needed minimal interventions. The comprehensive restoration also included updating the unique hydro-pneumatic ride height control, overhauling all hydraulic systems, and meticulous rewiring.
The exterior received equal attention, with a complete strip-down revealing previous inadequate repairs. Each panel was painstakingly refined and coated with layers of primer, ensuring every line and curve echoed its original form. The restoration was rounded off with a high-grade polishing, aligning with the traditional methods once used in Bentley’s own workshops.
Now sporting its original press office registration number, 1900 TU, the Bentley T-Series is not just a restored car but a reinvigorated piece of history. It joins 45 other illustrious models in the Heritage Collection, housed at Bentley’s campus in Crewe, where it will remain on permanent display and in roadworthy condition, ready to grace the roads as a testament to its enduring legacy.
This iconic model underscores Bentley's pioneering approach to design and engineering. As the first monocoque construction in the brand’s history, the T-Series replaced the traditional coachbuilt method, marking a significant evolution in automotive design. With its robust 225 bhp V8 engine and advanced noise and vibration isolation technologies, the T-Series set new standards in performance and comfort during its time, making it a landmark model in Bentley’s storied lineage.
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