Lot details
Registration No: CTC438M
Chassis No: SBH16581
Mot Expiry: March 2013

By 1965, Rolls-Royce was well-practised in the art of badge engineering and, while the new T Series Bentley was aimed at the world's many devotees of the 'Flying B' logo, it was essentially a re-badged version of the Silver Shadow. Its arrival was none too soon however and, together with the Shadow, did much to reverse the notion that Rolls-Royce was falling behind the times. It certainly resulted in many firsts for the company, including: unitary construction rather than separate body/chassis units, disc rather than drum brakes and independent rear suspension. Though 7in shorter and 3.5in narrower than the Bentley S3 it replaced, the John Polwhele Blatchley-penned T1 nevertheless possessed greater space for both luggage and passengers and boasted far more contemporary looks.

At launch it was powered by a 172bhp V8 engine of 6230cc, though this was enlarged to 6750cc during 1970. Early cars employed the same GM automatic transmission as the S3, but this was superseded by the Turbo Hydramatic system from 1970 onwards. The car's famed 'magic carpet' ride was achieved courtesy of a high-pressure hydraulic system licensed from Citroen. Initially it featured self-levelling at both ends, but this was deleted from the front in 1969.

This T1 was apparently owned by a Lieutenant Colonel W A McLelland for many years and the regimental coat of arms affixed to the car apparently dates from that period in its history. The Bentley's indicated mileage of 120,000 is apparently supported by the accompanying MOT certificates that date from 1984 to 2012. There are also service receipts from Kennings (1981-1983), S V Oakley (1986-1997), Broughtons of Cheltenham (2001-2004), T A Hale (2001-2005) and Malmesbury Specialist Cars (2010). The vendor considers 'CTC 438M' to be a "very sound and original car throughout" and is selling it MOT'd until March 2013.