1 of 558 Produced - Left Hand Drive - U.S. Delivery

1978 Bentley T2 Additional Info:

1978 Bentley T2 Saloon - Original U.S. Delivery – Long-Term Ownership - Left-Hand-Drive - VIN SBG33241
The stable mate to the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, Bentley T models are mechanically similar. They are very scarce due to the fact that only one Bentley T was produced for every 10+ Silver Shadows. This T2 is the second generation T - 1977 to 1980 and only 558 were produced during this time and a small percentage are left-hand-drive and/or delivered to the U.S. T2s have countless improvements over the T1 models (1965 to 1976) including rack and pinion steering. I’ve enjoyed this car for 15 years taking it to RROC club events in San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles, CA. It’s been a great car for me. I get in, turn the key, it goes. During my ownership, its earned RROC touring class awards at their annual Concours shows at Santa Anita Park, and in San Diego, earned a second place in its class at the 2019 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance celebrating “100 Years of Bentley”. This Bentley is in nice condition in and out and “driver” quality. It runs strong and while not without flaws, it presents well for its age and mileage. It just passed the stringent CA Smog test with well above average results in ALL categories indicating the engine is strong and at peak combustion (see 12/25 report in photos). I purchased the car with 89k miles and with having other cars, I drive it less than 1k miles per year. After 15 years of ownership and not driving it enough, I’ve decided it’s time to sell.Maintenance has been the usual items for “SY” Silver Shadow/Bentley T models and during my ownership I have replaced the following.
Engine drive belts, exhaust manifold gaskets, tires twice (current ones are 6 years old), cooling system and transmission services, power steering pump, belt idler aka “jockey” pulley, brake hoses, rebuilt brake accumulators and valves, brake pressure switches, front brake pump, height control valves, charged A/C, replaced mufflers, lower control arm bushings, new fuel pump, rebuilt carburetors, a couple batteries, NGK spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor, new alternator, steering rack recently resealed and wheel alignment. Oil changes annually, (so done on a calendar vs mileage basis). I do my own repairs and have some receipts but not all. The alternator was upgraded and replaced with a 100 amp GM/Delco model with internal regulator – SO much better than the original Lucas unit and also an approved R-R retrofit. Before my ownership, the Opus ignition module was replaced with a dependable Pertronix unit and the starter motor upgraded to a British Starters hi-torque gear reduction type (which R-R began installing in the 80s). These two upgrades give quick starts. The spark plugs and plug wires were just replaced and oil changed (12/25).
One bonus this Bentley offers is its rarity for an entry level price. In my 20+ years going to R-R and Bentley events, I haven’t come across another Bentley T1 or T2. Countless Silver Shadows and Spurs I see, Turbo Rs even Camargues, but no Bentley Ts. I receive many compliments on the color at car shows which always starts a conversation and develops friendships. Build sheet records confirm the ICI brand “Blue-Grey” color was ordered by Esther du Pont when the car was new. According to relatives of the original owner, Esther Driver du Pont, she and her family ordered their Bentleys in this “Blue-Grey” color. Esther Driver du Pont was a member of the wealthy du Pont family and chemical company in Delaware. Her grandfather, Lammot du Pont was a chemist who perfected blasting powder formulas and dynamite in the 1800s.
The Kenwood radio/CD was installed when I purchased the car, but I sourced a period correct Blaupunkt radio, Sony cassette player and extra radio dash surround which is included in the sale. A set of 4 correct Bentley slotted wheel covers are also included as well as the handbook and tool kit. The car is located in Carlsbad, CA - $24,500 OBO.