The Bentley T Series Saloon broke new ground in 1965. It wasn’t just a new model, it was a new era. And VIN 0001, the very first off the line, carries a legacy unlike any other. This particular car represents Bentley’s brave step into modern automotive engineering, and it has a story worth telling.
Bentley T Series Saloon: A Revolutionary Start
Bentley knew it was time to move forward in the 1960s. With work beginning in 1958, the T Series became the first Bentley to leave behind the traditional separate chassis. Instead, it embraced a steel and aluminium monocoque design, improving rigidity while shedding weight.
The new design, completed by John Blatchley, reduced size in all dimensions compared to the S3 but actually improved passenger space. It made the car seven inches shorter, five inches lower, and three and a half inches narrower. Yet inside, it felt more spacious than ever.
Power and Performance in the Bentley T Series Saloon
Under the hood, the T Series Saloon packed a robust 6.23-litre V8 engine. It produced 225 bhp at 4000 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at just 1800 rpm. That meant a top speed of 115 mph and 0-60 mph in 11 seconds, quick by luxury standards of the time.
The innovative chassis featured separate subframes for the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering. Bentley fitted ‘Vibrashock’ rubber mounts to help isolate road noise and ensure comfort. This was truly luxury redefined.
VIN 0001: The First of Its Kind
Among the 1,868 examples built, one stands alone, VIN 0001, registered as 1900 TU. Not only was it the first T Series ever made, but it also beat the first Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow to the production line.
Discovered in 2016, hidden under a tarp in a Bentley facility, the car sparked curiosity and passion. Apprentices began carefully dismantling and documenting it, setting the stage for a remarkable revival.
From Dust to Perfection
In 2022, Bentley handed VIN 0001 to the experts at P&A Wood. The car received a full mechanical overhaul, a fresh coat of its original Shell Grey paint, and a brand-new interior faithful to the 1965 design.
Now back on the road in 2024, this Bentley isn’t just any restored saloon, it’s one of the finest examples of the T Series in the world. Every detail celebrates the model’s legacy and Bentley’s bold departure from tradition.
Summary
The Bentley T Series Saloon marked a turning point in British automotive history. And VIN 0001, thought lost to time, has been brought back to tell the story. From innovation to rediscovery, it reminds us that true craftsmanship never fades.
Disclaimer: Vehicle specifications and restoration details are based on historical and factory-released sources.
Source: Bentley
