Bentley T2
ENGINE 6750cc/V8/OHV POWER 247bhp@4500rpm TORQUE 398lb ft@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 118mph 0-60MPH 9.6sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 10-15mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 139,855 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The Bentley’s many dials and gauges read correctly once the auto choke has eased off; oil pressure is excellent and there are no warning lights. The Bentley’s bulk becomes less apparent with use and is completely forgotten once the mighty V8 comes to life. The column-change gearbox selects drive with minimal fuss and the assisted steering allows for easy manoeuvring. Powerful 11-inch discs all round quickly bring travel to a halt but a considered driving style brings out the best in this T2.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Nottingham Firemist Green metallic benefits from a hand-painted gold coachline, a finish applied as part of a full restoration by a Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist in 2003. Careful inspection reveals a small blemish on the top inner edge of the nearside front wing, and the paint alongside the kick plate inside the passenger door aperture is chipped. The front bumper rubber cover is uneven at the point where US-spec cars would have had overriders and the clip that secures the offside rear bumper to the rear quarter panel is missing. The chrome has aged but remains bright and unpitted.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
It’s nice to see that undamaged tan leather fills the cabin while both front seats have inner and outer armrests. Removing the factory sheepskin overmats reveals clean, unworn carpets and the veneer stands up to close scrutiny. The rooflining is clean and undamaged and all the lighting operates correctly. The air conditioning has recently been completely overhauled and the original Blaupunkt radio and electric aerial perform as they should. We weren’t able to test the cassette player, however.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine is surprisingly clean and appears to be minus any leaks; the mechanicals have enjoyed in the region of £10k in upkeep over the past 15 years. The history file contains the original Bentley build sheets and sundry wince-inducing invoices. No Bentley or RollsRoyce from this era can be run on a budget; this T2, apart from regular servicing over the past few years, has benefitted from a brake system overhaul along with replacement Bilstein shock absorbers, plus a new steering rack.
THE CCW VIEW
The phrase ‘so much car for the money’ has never been more apt when considering a Crewe-built Bentley with 30 years under its tyres. The T2 is less ostentatious and rarer than its Rolls-Royce stablemates, too. Parts are available but obviously expensive, a fact that any prospective new custodian needs to be aware of before taking it on. This car needs little improvement, with previous owners having already undertaken the lion’s share of the work.