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1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow - Bentley T

Bentley T

A stunning "garish 70's" factory order from Crewe

1974

Very rare gold "Savoy Velour" interior option - the epitome of the 1970s.

Where ostentatious tastes saw bell-bottom plaid suits, Marlboro man moustaches and Studio 54 night-clubs. When the films of the era were "Clockwork Orange", "Annie Hall" and "Taxi Driver", the broadway show was "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Chicago" and Liza Minnelli won best actress Oscar for Cabaret. TV was all about "Charlie's Angels" in the US whilst we watched "The Sweeney" and "Minder" in the UK. On opposing sides of that big pond we laughed at Richard Pryor and the Morecambe & Wise duo. Whilst some loved Liberace with all his glitz and glamour, so did others fan to Elton John displaying similarly outrageous stage get-up and showmanship. America had boat-sized Cadillacs whilst the UK had groovy Minis and sexy E-type Jaguars. The world was changing towards atomized individualism and away from communitarianism. The 1970s was all about being showy and flashy - for one's self - with big statements and plenty of pizzazz - where "too much" was just enough. 

In the midst of all this, this one Bentley surely spoke out - in every bit of the language - she is the epitome of the 1970s.

This is a striking combination Bentley T, finished in Regency Bronze (a rich gold colour) with a deep brown Everflex top and hand-painted fine lines in matching brown to the waist lines and hub-cap beauty rings. The Savoy velvet interior is finished in a very rich and well over the top gold-tan colour with contrasting dark cigar brown carpeting and dash. The Savoy velvet option was a factory one and rarely ordered - no doubt because of its rather flamboyant presentation.

The colour combination is completely 1970s and if you are not into the 70s look, you will most likely find it in poor taste. But this is for the lover of that era and you have to "get it".

The Bentley was designed to be the conservative man's Rolls-Royce, so we can well visualise its original purchaser ordering this "over-stated understatement" with its strong gold colour scheme. Not nouveau riche because it is a Bentley after all. But a young man from old money. Ordered by Saville Row from Berkley Square, the Bentley of Bentleys of the 70s.

To those in the Rolls-Royce & Bentley club and circles, this car needs little introduction and is extremely well known as a multiple show winning car owned by Mr David Irvine, renowned Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley T enthusiast. David founded and administers the very successful Facebook forum; "Eccentric Hobbyists", dedicated exclusively to these 4-door Crewe cars. And, which to date, features over 30,000 photographs of these great cars from all over the world.

This Bentley T has also been featured in various magazine and articles around the world and I can't tell you how many awards she has won.

This is a European delivered example that has been incredibly well maintained over the years.

As the most obvious alteration from what might be expected to be found on a Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor car from this time could be considered that the seats are not trimmed with leather. As specified by the customer these are “gold Parkertex Savoy Velvet”, a velvet cloth of the finest quality to be used throughout the interior. The interior of the car is quite original; make no mistake, the velour interior came this way from the Crewe factory. And even though we are some 45 years on, it remains without a single mark or blemish nor sign of wear (as you might otherwise expect on such a fabric). The headlining, carpets, leather dash and console are all in the most stunning original condition.

Only the wood has been redone, but at what a blessing. At a cost of some $4,000 it is finished like glass with no less than 25 coats of clear lacquer each wet-sanded and buffed between coats to deliver a very deep and rich finish. It is the dark Milanese Burl walnut with a straight walnut crossbanding. Absolutely flawless in presentation.

In keeping with the flare design choice of its first owner, the car has a 70s "state of the art" Blaupunkt cassette player option fitted in concert with its Blue Dot Blaupunkt push-button radio. These were only just available. And, a set of factory fitted air horns. Of course it would!

This Bentley T is truly described as a spectacular example.

It was meticulously repainted in recent years by the Park-Ward Museum to an extremely highly level at a cost to its current owner of some $20,000. Of course, done so in its exact original colour - Regency Bronze. The body and paint on the car today is truly flawless and exceeds factory original specifications. In addition, all new rubbers were fitted, a brand new factory correct Everflex* top and the bespoke addition of stainless mouldings on the top of the doors as used in most (but not all) Silver Wraith II cars. These were modified by Park-Ward craftsmen to suit this Bentley T as a 1-off fitment and yet they appear as they belong there from the factory. Similarly, the Everlex roof finishing moulding was fitted from the Long Wheel Base cars. Simply stunning with this attention to detail entirely in tune with this very unique motor car and in the Crewe tradition (see close up photos). The hand-painted fine lines to the waist-rails and hub cap beauty rings were applied by the old craftsman art using the finest of squirrel brushes and steady hand.

Chrome, glass and finishes are all excellent. Being a 1974 European delivery Crewe product, this example would have originally had chrome bumpers. They were master-craft changed to the North American impact bumpers when the car was imported here some 20 years ago. The work was carried out by a UK Rolls-Royce specialist so it was done in accordance with the European standard Silver Shadow II series cars - which were closer fitted to the car as opposed to the silly looking protruding shock-absorber mounted American version. The stream-line look is complemented by the mainland Europe style of colour-coded front air dam, fully functioning Lucas front spot lights and rear number plate and under bumper fog lights. The overall look and stance is stunning.

This very fine example of a Bentley has been the subject of such detailed inspection, maintenance and all major and minor services by Park-Ward Motors that we couldn't possibly list everything that has been done, other than to say; nothing has been overlooked and nothing is outstanding. Such work was rigorous to ensure this Bentley met the strict judging standard by the RROC at the national event each year since 2015. And to the point, the car has won a prize every single year since. The most notable being the Best of Show at the 2019 Rolls-Royce and Bentley meet in Detroit (Best of show means it beat every single car at the show - that is some 250 of America's best or every Rolls-Royce and Bentley model from 1909 thru to 2020!). You will truly not find a single feature or function in this example that does not work properly. A good way to summarise the work done; this beautiful bentley T has been treated as Park-Ward Motors' master-piece and "show-car". We estimate some $50-$60,000 in meticulous maintenance has been dedicated to her in the last 5 years.

Only a very small number of Bentley Ts were made. They are the twin sister to the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. It is differentiated by a Bentley radiator grille, mascot and "Flying B". It has a slightly lower bonnet (hood) with different shaping in the sheet metal and sported “Bentley” hubcaps, boot and head-light brow badging - and for the European market only; Bentley badged engine valve covers, brake pedal and speedometer. This example is also fitted with a front air-dam (that usually “go missing” as a result of curb knocks).

Their limited number is notable; out of the 30,000 odd Silver Shadows manufactured only some 8% were Bentley Ts. They were rarer in the US. This makes them highly desirable in their category. Especially when you consider the even smaller amount that are left remaining – probably only some 100 remaining in the US. With this car presenting so ostentatiously, she is most likely the only one in the US!

This example of a Bentley T is in extremely beautiful condition and well in advance of typical examples. It is in outstanding driving condition and is a proven show winner. It easily ranks a 10 out of 10 placing her amongst the world's best example Bentley T available.

As expected of a fine example, the car rides on a near new set of Avon Turbosteel tyres, comes with its correct jack, tools and operating manual. It even has its original set of Yale keys!

* Everflex top: Some photos show the car before the facory correct Everflex was fitted.

  ~~ This very statement of a Bentley T, 1970s fashioned in Regency Bronze with gold velour is in very fine condition and would make for a wonderful collectible classic and weekend driver. It is an award winning show car and as such can be driven as-is to your next Rolls-Royce & Bentley meet with continued pride and enthusiasm! ~~

 International bidders are always welcome.