Bentley T1 - World Of Classic Cars -

Bentley T1 1973

The Bentley T-Series was the Bentley badged version of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, available as a four door saloon or a two door saloon with coachwork by James Young and Mulliner Park Ward. The Bentley was differentiated from its Rolls-Royce sibling by its simpler and lighter front grill. The other point of difference to attract comment was said to result from the lower production cost of the Bentley grill. In October 1966 the T saloon's pretax 'list price' of £5,375 undercut the Rolls-Royce by £50! The Bentley was technically an identical twin of the Rolls-Royce that seemed to have been purchased mostly by owners wishing for a more understated luxury saloon. The former sporting image of Bentley motor cars differing from Rolls-Royces was gone by the time the Silver Shadow/Bentley T was introduced and this was no longer a notable reason to purchase a Bentley over the Rolls. The outward appearance of a Bentley T series cars is slightly more dynamic because the bonnet design is a few centimeters lower and the radiator shell shape with its rounded edges is smoother. In addition the badging on wheel covers, boot lid and gauges featured Bentley motifs rather than Rolls-Royce logo. Standard features included electrically operated windows and electrically adjustable front seats.