The world’s oldest Bentley T-Series is returning to Crewe, 59 years after its original launch there. The Shell Grey saloon, chassis number SBH1001, has been sensitively recommissioned and retains much of its original components and running gear. Now part of the Bentley Heritage Collection, it joins a range of iconic road and race cars that span the company’s 105-year history. Originally used as a company trials car, the T-Series made its debut at the 1965 Paris Salon de l’Auto. When rediscovered under a tarpaulin in storage, the car had not run for decades and was missing key features, including its entire interior. Recognising its importance as the first T-Series – and equivalent to the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, on which its design was based – Bentley decided to restore the vehicle while preserving as much of the original car as possible. Mike Sayer, Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, said: “The T-Series is one of the final two pieces of the puzzle to complete our rejuvenated Heritage Collection. Our Chief Communications Officer, Wayne Bruce, and I quite literally found it under a tarpaulin in the back of a warehouse, and given it was the first-of-line chassis, we knew we had to save it.” The recommissioning was entrusted to P&A Wood, specialists in classic Bentley restoration. Louise Wood, daughter of co-founder Andrew Wood, led the project, supported by Dave Lowe, who has 23 years of experience at P&A Wood. The car’s drivetrain was in surprisingly good condition, with the engine springing to life after a 15-year silence. However, the team faced significant challenges, including sourcing replacement parts and addressing poor-quality accident repairs. After a meticulous restoration process, including reworking the paint and preserving the original patina of the chrome, the T-Series was restored to prime condition. The car has now been reunited with its original registration number, 1900 TU, and will join 45 other cars in the Bentley Heritage Collection, kept in road-legal condition at Bentley’s Crewe campus. Where: Crewe, Cheshire, United Kingdom When: 08 Sep 2024 Credit: Bentley Motors/Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**