Vehicle Description
Rooted in development work dating to 1958 under Chief Engineer
Harry Grylls, who joined Rolls-Royce in 1930 and served alongside
company co-founder Sir Henry Royce, the Bentley T-Series and
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow debuted in October 1965. Marking a
revolution for the traditionally conservative marques, first
Rolls-Royce and Bentley models with unitary construction, they also
ushered in such mechanical advancements as the innovative
high-pressure hydraulic system licensed from Citroen, including
dual-circuit disc brakes all around and fully independent,
self-leveling suspension. Tailored to the wealthy and discerning
owner-driver, the T-Series and Silver Shadow were outwardly smaller
than their predecessors yet offered greater passenger room and
comfort with easier access to a spacious luggage compartment.
Standard factory bodywork was styled by John Blatchley and his
small team at Rolls-Royce headquarters in Crewe and constructed to
impeccable quality standards, hastening the inevitable end of the
longstanding British custom coachbuilding industry. As with the
prior Bentley 'S' Series and Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud lines, the T
Series shared much in common with its Rolls-Royce stablemate,
essentially differing only in the style of the radiator grille and
fine details. Powering the T-Series was the 6.23-liter V-8 engine
introduced with the S2 in 1959, featuring an aluminum-silicon
engine block, cast-iron wet cylinder liners, and aluminum alloy
cylinder heads. For North American markets, power delivery was via
General Motors' robust Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic
transmission, which became standard for all Bentley/Rolls-Royce
markets from 1968 forward. Passenger comfort was unparalleled, with
the T-Series and Silver Shadow the first Rolls-Royce models offered
with standard air conditioning. Luxuriously equipped and impeccably
trimmed in the finest Connolly leather upholstery, these superb
motorcars weighed approximately 5,000 pounds, yet were very capable
performers with strong acceleration and a top speed approaching 120
miles per hour. In contrast to the far more common Rolls-Royce
Silver Shadow, early T-Series Bentleys are truly rare and
collectible. In addition to the definitive four-door saloon, of
which just 1,703 were produced, Bentley also offered select clients
the option of a long wheelbase version or coachbuilt coupes from
Mulliner or James Young, built in comparatively small numbers. One
of the most recognizable, elite-level luxury cars ever produced,
the rare first-generation T-Series was a predictable favorite of
Hollywood's ''A-List,'' wealthy private buyers, and the flamboyant
titans of 1960s/1970s business and political realms. This
handsomely presented 1967 Bentley T-Series Saloon is a rare and
desirable early model, featuring pure styling with slim chrome
bumpers and the elegant early-style wood dash panel. Finished in
light blue over a well-preserved dark gray Connolly leather
interior, it is a well-kept example with a charming character
earned through regular enjoyment. Glossy paintwork accentuates the
Bentley's straight, well-defined bodywork, with only some minor
imperfections and edge chipping noted to the paint finish. The rich
wooden interior accents remain lovely in appearance overall,
notwithstanding some age-appropriate cracks found in the lacquer
finish, and switchgear and controls remain correct. Newer blue
carpets subtly complement the Bentley's visually striking all-blue
livery and the bluish-gray leather. In addition to standard air
conditioning, features and options include a factory AM radio,
steel sliding sunroof, and thoughtful picnic trays to the rear. The
boot is nicely detailed in the proper black carpeting. As
collectors have begun to take serious interest in the
first-generation T-Series/Silver Shadow, this lovely,
early-production Bentley T-Series Saloon represents a truly rare
and exciting opportunity to acquire one of the rarest variants of
the venerable series. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7387-1967-bentley-t/
