A gorgeous T1 Corniche - could this be the coolest car in the world?
Hang on. I can hear the questions coming in thick and fast. And loudest of all is this: “Why are you nominating a BENTLEY as an unsung hero? ” And I can see perfectly well why this needs to be questioned; a car with one of the finest pedigrees in the world, made of the finest materials, is far more revered than a piece of plastic tat from behind the Iron Curtain would be. But bear with me, because not only is the T-series an unsung hero, it’s possibly one of the coolest cars ever made.
Launched in 1965 at the Paris Motor Show, the T-series succeeded the Rolls Royce Silver Cloud based Bentley SIII. Like its predecessor, the T had Royce origins; the near-identical Silver Shadow debuted at the same show at a premium of £50. The first Bentley to feature monocoque construction, its steel and aluminium construction with front and rear subframes enabled a smaller yet more spacious car than the S series that went before; however the price paid was that of uniformity. Coachbuilt derivatives are somewhat easier to develop if the car has a seperate chassis – however, the John Blatchley styling is simple and attractive. Independent self-levelling suspension to a Citroen design complemented the all-wheel, triple circuit disc brakes, whilst power was provided by the S-series 6.2 litre V8 driven through the older cars four speed automatic gearbox. In 1970 this gearbox was replaced with the GM400 three speed unit; a year later the V8 was stroked out to the 6750cc unit still used to this day in the Mulsanne. Power? A gentleman doesn’t need to know; save that it is adequate.
Continental and Continental Turbo the costliest Ts - but perhaps too showy?
There are essentially 2 models in the T-series family. The original T series, restrospectively known as the T1, can be identified by slimline chrome bumpers. The later T2 featured rubber-capped bumpers, a chin spoiler, different hubcaps, rack and pinion steering, a redesigned dashboard and numerous minor changes. Both were available as a standard saloon, a 2 door Mulliner Park Ward styled saloon from 1966, branded Corniche in 1971, or a MPW convertible which recieved the same branding as the 2 door. T1s were also available with a plainer 2 door body by James Young, but with just 15 made these will be hard to come by and expensive. The drophead continued after the saloons had been discontinued, rebranded as a Continental. Prices can start from as low as £5000, but expect to pay nearer to £10000 for a good saloon, £15-30000 for a 2 door saloon, and upwards of £35000 for a good convertible. There is little difference in value between the T1 and T2; the T1 is arguably more handsome, but the T2 is a more sensible purchase.
T2 is the sensible one. Rebadged Royce it may be, but the bonnet's different, too...
Spares? Well, it’s a Shadow with a different name. Everything, barring badges, the grille, and the bonnet is interchangeable. Bonnets are of different profiles, and the rest is fairly easy to source if you have the money to do so. Whilst these cars are cheap to buy, attempting to run one on a tight budget is unwise. Servicing may be equivalent to an XJ or 7-series, but it is more frequent. Expect 10-15mpg at best, and budget for LPG if you want to use your T-series regularly. Upgrades? Well, the Spirit and Mulsanne/Eight/Turbo R range are loosely based upon the Shadow floorpan, so parts from these models can be adapted to fit if you want to upgrade your car. Bentley made a few Continental Turbos; Corniches with Turbo R suspension and running gear. If you know your stuff, you can do so too.
That’s the advert over. Now, why am I nominating the T series as an unsung hero? Stop, sit down, and get yourself a cuppa. Imagine you’ve just come into some money and want to buy a Crewe car. Essentially, there are two choices if you don’t want to spend a fortune; a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow or a Bentley Turbo R. One is the epitome of English gentility, the other an autobahnstormer that wouldn’t look out of place outside the manor house. And this is why I’m nominating the T series. It’s a far rarer car than either of those two mentioned, it’s in the same price bracket, yet it is inevitably overlooked in the majority of cases because it doesn’t have a definite image. It’s not poncey enough to be a Royce, and it’s nothing like sporty enough to appeal to the Bentley crowd. And yet, it’s precisely this lack of image that makes it cool.
The man in the Turbo R can be defined as a rich yuppie, advertising his mantra as if through a megaphone. Greed is good, and conspicuous consumption is the only way to prove yourself. The Shadow… it’s a Royce, so it’s a bit nouveau riche. Yet it’s the retiring Royce, the understated one chosen by people who want a Roller but don’t really want to show off. In the Bentley T series, you don’t really adhere to either of these, and so you cannot be pigeonholed by passers-by. Think; would you rather get to know somebody, or be judged from the first moment because of your chariot of choice? The T series simply marks you down as a connoisseur and as someone who doesn’t follow fashion. Beside that, you’re Mr Mystery in a T.
Let's be honest - this is why you want one.
Get hold of a nice Corniche II saloon in a good colour, and waft about knowing that the world is wondering who you might be, and what you might stand for. Whilst you’re doing so; just reflect on this. Enigmatic is supposed to be the new cool. Doesn’t that make the T series the one of the coolest cars in the world?
