1979 BENTLEY T2
ENGINE 6750cc/V8/OHV POWER 247bhp@4500rpm TORQUE 398lb ft@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 118mph 0-60MPH 9.2 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 10-16mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 129,000 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The engine fires instantly to life before settling quickly to a good idle speed. There is quite a bit of body roll when cornering and the ride can feel a little floaty, but then this is a Seventies Bentley. The engine and automatic gearbox both perform well and there is more than enough power to propel the car’s substantial bulk down the road. The steering and brakes work well and the engine remains stable with no overheating or misbehaviour.
BODYWORK CHECK
Finished in Silver Mink with a blue Everflex roof, the exterior presents very well considering the age of the car. All panels are straight and true with correct and uniform gaps. The paint is flawless but there are a few blemishes in the front edge of the vinyl roof. The chrome trim shows little sign of age and still looks factory-fresh. There are no nasty surprises underneath the car either and no evidence of any leaking components, corrosion, welding or damage. The exhaust also appears to be sound – it isn’t blowing and there are no badly fitting sections. The period correct hub caps still look great and all four wheels are shod with healthy tyres with good tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior is trimmed in blue leather with matching top and knee roll, and all components are in very good condition. The walnut dash panels and door trim parts are flawless, the dashboard is intact, with no cracks or sun damage and the steering wheel and seats have worn well. There’s no evidence of damp or water ingress – the carpets are superb. All gauges, instruments, switchgear and electrical components work as they should and have that quality Bentley feel to them. The period original radio is still fitted in the dashboard, as Crewe intended.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is tightly packed, but everything is present, correct and immaculately presented and the big V8 has been well maintained. It is clean and tidy with no leaks or badly installed parts. All the hoses, clips, pipes and belts are in great condition and the engine bay itself has been similarly well cared for. There is no grime, oil, rust or damage. An inspection underneath the car uncovers nothing untoward, with the braking and suspension components appearing to be first-rate.
THE CCW VIEW
Just 558 T2s were ever produced, so this particular model carries with it a certain exclusivity. Good independent parts and servicing support is readily available for these cars, and while bills can soon mount up with T Series Bentleys, a comprehensive service history totalling 25 specialist stamps suggest that this car has wanted for nothing.
EXTERIOR Excellent paint and chrome INTERIOR Faultless hide/veneers No wear or damage MECHANICALS Well-maintained and fully serviced engine