The world’s oldest Bentley T-Series, a Shell Grey saloon from 1965, has returned to Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe after 59 years.
The car, chassis number SBH1001, was the first T-Series off the production line and played a key role in its launch at the 1965 Paris Salon de l’Auto.
After being found in storage, missing much of its interior and having not run in decades, it was carefully recommissioned and now joins the Bentley Heritage Collection.
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The restoration, led by P&A Wood, preserved as much of the original car as possible. The engine, gearbox, and rear axle were in good condition and required only minor repairs.
However, the car presented challenges, including a missing dashboard, no interior trim, and a complex wiring loom. The team sourced parts from a donor car to stay true to the original model. The car’s paintwork was also restored with great attention to detail, preserving its vintage look without losing its patina.
The T-Series, Bentley’s first monocoque model, debuted as a revolutionary car with its advanced engineering and lighter construction. Powered by a 225 bhp, 6.23-liter V8, it featured innovations like the Vibrashock mounts and hydro-pneumatic suspension.
The model, sold alongside its Rolls-Royce sibling, the Silver Shadow, was praised for its performance, reaching a top speed of 115 mph and accelerating from 0-62 mph in 10.9 seconds.
Now fully restored, the T-Series will reside in Bentley’s Heritage Collection, where it will be maintained in roadworthy condition for future use.
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