Mulliner Coupe , this revitalised sedan completes the Bentley heritage story of the 1960s and 1970s , and is now an outstanding example of the model , which was the first Bentley to use a unitary monocoque construction .”
After a group of Bentley apprentices started the process of dismantling and assessing the car , the recommissioning of the T-Series was entrusted to the expert team at P & A Wood , specialists in the preservation and restoration of classic Bentleys and the company ’ s partner for Heritage Collection projects . Louise Wood , daughter of co-founder Andrew Wood , led the project , supported by Coachwork manager Dave Lowe – a P & A Wood veteran of 23 years .
Restored to prime condition
Taking stock of the T-Series Bentley , key elements of the drivetrain proved to be in surprisingly good condition . The engine burst into life after a 15-year silence , needing only a thorough service , and the gearbox simply required minor adjustment . The rear axle too was in a good state and only needed new seals .
Major challenges for the team included a missing dashboard , no interior trim , a wiring loom in pieces without a detailed diagram , corrosion around the rear subframe and previous poor-quality crash repairs . With few replacement parts available off-the shelf , the team sourced a donor vehicle that was at the end of its life . As the specification of the T-Series evolved over the years , it was important that the donor should also be an early model . Every detail was discussed and pored over , right down to the correct ( Rolls-Royce ) logo on the seat belt buckles and the lack of wing mirrors .
The T Series featured innovative vibration-deadening Vibrashock mounts and a two-circuit hydropneumatic ride height control , all of which were thoroughly overhauled . All hydraulic hoses were replaced , and unique components like the brake distribution valves were restored to full working condition . Rewiring and fitting the dashboard proved a major undertaking , requiring huge amounts of time and perseverance .
Meanwhile the paintwork was stripped , revealing poorly executed accident repair work and inconsistent panel gaps . One rear wing was corroded and had to be replaced , after which the entire vehicle was given multiple coats of 2k high build primer , each coat being carefully