Bentley T2
(1977 – 1980)
Bentley T2, 1979, #SBH37806. A front air-dam to improve stability at high speed was fitted to series 2.
The Bentley T2 somehow gave off that the company had been vague whether or not Bentley should keep an individual identity. Support for the marque inside the company had deterioted over recent years. During the prototype stadium of the Silver Shadow the parallel development of a separate new Bentley model had been aborted. Only early models of the Bentley T1 had shown engine valve covers embossed with the inscription «Bentley» – later models showed the name «Rolls-Royce» on the valve covers. And the Bentley T2 went one step further because the instruments on the facia carried the Rolls-Royce logo of entwined RR instead of the Bentley-B.
It was one of the few cars from Rolls-Royce which were not considered for export to the USA. Sales of Bentley in that market had been microscopic anyway and Rolls-Royce saved the outlay to introduce the Bentley T2 there (although several new Bentley T2 were reported later to have found their way to the USA) . But resurgence was just around the corner and in retrospective – having experienced the brilliant success of the Bentley marque during the 80s – it is open to speculation if the Bentley T2’s only problem has been poor marketing by Rolls-Royce?
Technical Data:
8 cylinder 90 degree V-configuration, aluminium-silicon alloy cylinder block with cast iron wet cylinder liners; bore x stroke 104.14 x 99.06 mm (4.1 x 3.9 in), capacity 6,750 cc; aluminium alloy cylinder heads, twin SU carburettors; 3-speed automatic gearbox; hypoid bevel final drive; independent suspension with coil springs front and rear, hydraulic self-levelling height control rear; ventilated disc brakes front, plain discs rear; wheelbase 3,048 mm (120 in), Bentley T2 long wheelbase 3,149.6 mm (124 in); tyre size 235/70HR15
Bentley T2 long wheelbase, 1979, #LBH37309. Those who know recognise a long wheelbase version by the wheel trim because on this model that from the Corniche was fitted.
No. made:
|
558 |
Bentley T2 (1977-1980) |
|
10 |
Bentley T2 long wheelbase (1977-1980) |
|
568 |
Bentley T2 altogether |