1970 Bentley T1

Highlights

• Originally ordered new by Sir Nicolas Cayzer, later Lord Cayzer (Baron Cayzer of St Mary Axe)
• Two former registered keepers
• History file includes Construction and Test Records from the Rolls-Royce archive and original Bill of Sale
• Retains original Seychelles Blue paintwork with silver fine lines and grey hide interior
• Recently serviced by a specialist, including a brake overhaul

The Appeal

Sharing its underpinnings with the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, the T1 offered the same refined engineering as its Roller sibling with a sportier identity that appealed to those who preferred to drive rather than be driven. The age of the chauffeur-driven machine was coming to an end, and for many, the Bentley was just the ticket for the new standard of the well-to-do driver.

This particular car carries distinguished provenance, having been ordered new in March 1970 by Sir Nicolas Cayzer — later Lord Cayzer, Baron Cayzer of St Mary Axe - via Mann Eggerton of Berkeley Street, London. It was delivered in August 1970 to the offices of Cayzer Irvine Ltd in the City of London, and the original Bill of Sale, showing a price of £8,108, remains with the car alongside Construction and Test Records obtained from the Rolls-Royce archive. An electric steel sunroof was fitted by Mann Eggerton prior to delivery.

At 56 years old with 85,300 miles recorded, the car presents well for its age, with an evocative, age-commensurate patina. Having spent a period in Japan between 2004 and 2019, the car was repatriated and has since been in the care of a Bentley Drivers Club member. The vendor proudly notes this is a rare, very special example, reluctantly offered for sale.

Key Information

• Mileage: 85,300 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: UK (previously registered in Japan between 2004 and 2019)
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 6,200cc V8, four-speed automatic
• Paperwork: Construction and Test Records from the Rolls-Royce archive, original Bill of Sale, some invoices and handbooks, Bentley Drivers Club membership and booklet, V5C

The Detail

• Recently had a full service carried out by a local specialist
• Brakes inspected and overhauled as part of the recent service
• Starts on the first turn of the key and settles into a smooth, rattle-free and smoke-free idle
• The vendor reports that power delivery is effortless and gear changes are barely detectable
• Recently completed a 350-mile road trip around Northumbria
• Air conditioning may need re-gassing
• Electric steel sunroof fitted pre-delivery by Mann Eggerton; currently in need of recommissioning
• Micro blistering to paintwork noted in places, along with previous touch-up repairs and some paint cracking in the usual areas
• Minor bubbling to the Everflex roof covering
• Some over-polishing of chrome work noted
• Whitewall tyres in good condition with plenty of tread remaining
• Underside in good condition with no areas of concern
• Minor tear to the front passenger seat with a temporary fix in place
• Some cracking to the top edge of the rear seat back and parcel shelf
• Veneers in good condition with minor delamination to the dashboard
• The vendor describes the interior as being in fine fettle with only minor wear to note
• Chrome badge bar carrying AA, RAC, RAFA, Auto Club de Monaco and The Order of The Road emblems
• Retains factory-fitted self-adhesive GB plate
• Comes with various window stickers honouring the sporting heritage of the Bentley marque and a 'Bentley Guest' lanyard from the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed

BEFORE YOU BUY

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