1974 Bentley T1 Saloon

The Bentley S3 and Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud are magnificent cars, but there is no doubt that by 1965 these 'separate chassis' behemoths had become something of an anachronism. The launch of the relatively compact Silver Shadow and Bentley T-Type put this situation to rights by using an all new monocoque design with a much lower roof line, self-levelling independent suspension, dual-circuit servo disc brakes all round, and a 4 speed automatic gearbox. However luxury never goes out of style and these cars were as sumptuous as ever inside with acres of walnut, Wilton carpets, leather upholstery and electric seats/windows all coming as standard.

Although the cars are more or less identical, the Bentley T looks more dynamic than the Shadow because the radiator is lower and smoother with a more streamlined shape. Otherwise, it is only the badging on the wheel covers, boot lid and gauges that set the cars apart - although the Bentley is far more exclusive as only 1,703 saloons were made compared to over ten times that number of Shadows. Replaced in 1977 by the T2, the T-Type is now more commonly referred to as the T1.

First registered on the 15th January 1974, this particular Bentley T1 has been in the same ownership for nearly 13 years. We are informed by the vendor that the mileage of just over 93000 miles is genuine and this is supported by previous MOT certificates dating back to the 28th of January 1987, at which point that year's MOT certificate stated a mileage of 60779. Although there is no early history, there are many bills charting the regular up keep to the car while it was in its current ownership. This includes bills for routine maintenance, a gearbox overhaul in February 1989 and a brake overhaul in February 1995. The vendor has serviced the car annually himself and reports that there are no major mechanical faults, the car is 'on the button' and ready to go.

The car has a valid MOT which runs through until August 2013 and it is taxed until January 2013. One can truly argue that if you add up the cost of continually replacing modern cars every 5 years or so (all of which depreciate dramatically from the second they leave the showroom), the average person spends out more over the course of 40 years than the cost of one of these Bentleys! So think what value it represents today.