1979 Bentley T2 RHD Standard Saloon NO RESERVE

Price: - Item location: Berkeley, California, United States
Description:

1979 Bentley T2 Series

After 17 years of faithful service I've got to part with my T2. She's offered here with no reserve to the highest bidder.
She's rare, one of only 585 Bentley T2s built between 1977-1980 and only 25 in Peacock Blue. I have a large folder of the cars history including the original letter of delivery from Jack Barclay in London and many, many, maintenance receipts - I spent more than 12k on maintenance in the past several years alone (see gallery picture).
Overall the car looks great from a few feet away but on closer inspection, the paint is old and there are lots of scrapes from years of use. She starts easily and drives well. Although the wipers and a few of the gauges are no longer working (such as the gas gauge and the speedometer).
Most recent service has been: Carburetor gaskets, brake work, new battery, and a new gear-reduction starter. The new starter cranks the engine much faster than the original starter but I think the mechanic didn't shim it correctly - so it doesn't dis-engage fast enough and makes a screeching sound when the engine fires up. The car was built for the UK so the exhaust system does not meet California smog standards. That wasn't a problem when I registered the car in Delaware, she passed the emissions test easily there. Now that I'm back in California, I've titled her and registered as non-op due to CA smog restrictions. The buyer should be aware of their own state emissions laws.
Starting video: https://youtu.be/kF_rBbY1-xwRunning video: https://youtu.be/2_ZUAAz3QCY
Every car has a story and here's the story told to me by the original chauffeur and last owner - backed up by the folder of history/documents:
This Bentley has been Chauffeur driven and pampered most of her life.Delivered to Jack Barclay's of London in September of 1979 as the first '80 model in an unusual peacock blue with beige hide and was purchased by Norman Bloom (a top London surgeon) in October of 1979. In June of 1980 the story goes that Norman Bloom was invited to a garden party by his friends Mr and Mrs Dennis Thatcher, she being Englands first female Prime Minister. At the party she remarked that Mr. Blooms new car matched not only the conservative blue but also her Outfit and her Hat (she always wore blue). A few days later the car was presented as a gift the the Thatchers and as with protocol was titled and registered "Civil service supplies". The government car service delivered the Bentley to College View, Dulwich, Sth London! The Bentley was used by Mrs.Thatcher, visiting heads of state, and the government till 1988. Then the title passed to a large chemical company. Lady Hammond of Stanborough Kent, Tania De Thorpe Millard, and finally to an avid Bentley enthusiast who in 1992 at the Bentley Owners Club annual meeting, entered the car into the concours cup and WON the best of show (with 118,000 miles!). This gives you an indication of how well the Bentley had been kept.

On Aug-02-18 at 15:08:45 PDT, seller added the following information:

Pictures of Owners manual, Sales brochure, and Original stamped service books uploaded here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Jyt5joQLZViomKkShEBlC_Ee2A_Kbdte

Vehicle Details:
  • Make: Bentley
  • Model: T2 Series
  • Type: Sedan
  • Year: 1979
  • Mileage: 146,459
  • VIN: SBH38704
  • Color: Peacock Blue
  • Engine size: 6.7L V8
  • Number of cylinders: 8
  • Power options: Air Conditioning, Power Locks, Power Windows
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Parchment
  • Drive side: Right-hand drive
  • Options: Leather Seats
  • Vehicle Title: Clear
  • Want to buy? Contact seller!