Bentley Motors has long been synonymous with luxury, performance, and timeless elegance. Yet, while modern Bentleys like the Flying Spur Speed represent the pinnacle of contemporary automotive engineering, the restoration of the world’s oldest Bentley T-Series demonstrates that the brand’s heritage is as revered as its forward-thinking innovations.
Found languishing under a tarpaulin at the back of a warehouse, this 1965 Bentley T-Series, the very first of its kind, has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Painstaking process of bringing this classic car back to life and discuss how it stands as a symbol of Bentley’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship, even in the face of modern technological advancements.
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The Story Behind the Oldest Bentley T-Series
In 1965, Bentley introduced the T-Series, a luxury saloon that was one of the most technologically advanced vehicles of its time. As a “company trials car” and press demonstrator, the car in question was showcased at the Parisian auto show, marking its debut as a model that would go on to be revered for its elegant design and powerful V8 engine. Yet, after its time in the limelight, the car disappeared from Bentley’s radar, only to be rediscovered decades later in a dilapidated condition.
For 59 years, the car sat forgotten, collecting dust and suffering from the inevitable ravages of time. When it was finally unearthed, it was immediately clear that the car was a unique find—not just any Bentley T-Series, but the first and oldest surviving model. Despite its poor condition, Bentley saw the car’s potential and embarked on an ambitious restoration project.
The Restoration Process: Reviving a Classic
Restoring a car that had been left to deteriorate for nearly six decades is no small feat. The T-Series had suffered from corrosion, missing parts, and previous substandard crash repairs. Yet, despite these challenges, Bentley’s restoration team was determined to preserve as much of the original car as possible, using a combination of traditional techniques and modern expertise.
The engine, a 6.23-litre V8 producing 225bhp, was surprisingly still in good condition, needing only a thorough service to bring it back to life. Similarly, the gearbox required only a minor adjustment, while the rear axle outside the subframe needed new seals. However, the car was missing significant components, including the dashboard, wiring loom, and interior trim. Sourcing original parts proved difficult, but the team found an early donor Bentley to provide the necessary pieces, ensuring that the restoration remained true to the car’s period.
One of the more delicate tasks was addressing the car’s hydro-pneumatic ride control and ‘Vibrashock’ mounts, systems that were cutting-edge at the time of the car’s creation. These features, along with the car’s bodywork, required careful attention to ensure they were restored to their original specifications. The rusty rear wing was replaced, and the car was meticulously repainted and machine-polished to achieve the stunning finish that now dazzles the eyes of all who see it.
The T-Series Legacy and Its Modern Counterpart
With the restoration complete, this 1965 Bentley T-Series stands as a testament to the brand’s legacy and engineering prowess. Restored to its original 1965 condition, the car is now more likely to meet its performance metrics of 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 115mph. While these figures may seem modest compared to modern performance cars, the T-Series was a groundbreaking vehicle in its day, and its restoration allows it to continue its legacy in the modern world.
Today, this beautifully restored Bentley resides at the company’s Crewe site, serving as a road-legal display of Bentley’s rich history and commitment to craftsmanship. It offers a striking contrast to Bentley’s latest creation, the Flying Spur Speed, which showcases how far automotive technology has come since the T-Series’ debut.
The Modern Flying Spur Speed: A Glimpse Into Bentley’s Future
While the restoration of the world’s oldest Bentley T-Series celebrates the brand’s heritage, the new Bentley Flying Spur Speed represents the cutting edge of modern automotive engineering. With a 771bhp hybrid drivetrain and a 0-62mph time of just 3.5 seconds, the Flying Spur Speed is the fastest four-door Bentley ever built. It is the embodiment of performance, luxury, and sustainability, and stands as a stark contrast to the classic T-Series.
Whereas the T-Series is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.23-litre V8, the Flying Spur Speed employs a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 paired with a 187bhp electric motor, delivering a total of 771bhp and 738lb ft of torque. This hybrid powertrain not only allows for blistering acceleration but also offers a real-world electric-only range of 47 miles, making the Flying Spur Speed as environmentally friendly as it is fast.
The Flying Spur Speed also features advanced technology that was unimaginable in 1965. Its ‘Active Chassis’ system includes Dynamic Ride, all-wheel steering, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, providing exceptional handling and comfort. The car’s suspension system, which allows for separate control of rebound and compression, ensures that the Flying Spur Speed can switch seamlessly between comfort and performance modes, making it one of the most versatile luxury sedans on the market.
Luxury, Then and Now
Despite the vast technological advancements between the T-Series and the Flying Spur Speed, Bentley has remained true to its core values of luxury, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The interiors of both cars, though separated by decades of design evolution, reflect Bentley’s commitment to providing the ultimate driving experience.
In the T-Series, the interior was simple yet elegant, with high-quality materials and a focus on comfort. The Flying Spur Speed, on the other hand, takes luxury to a whole new level, with features like 3D diamond quilting, ‘diamond’ hide on the doors and B-pillars, and state-of-the-art driver instrumentation. The Flying Spur Speed also offers countless customization options through Bentley’s coachbuilding division, Mulliner, allowing customers to tailor their cars to their exact specifications.
One particularly modern feature of the Flying Spur Speed is the optional ‘Wellness Seating Specification,’ which includes climate-controlled seats that adjust posture and relieve pressure during long journeys, ensuring that occupants arrive at their destination feeling refreshed. This level of comfort and convenience would have been unthinkable in 1965, but it perfectly encapsulates Bentley’s ability to blend tradition with innovation.
