Using the freshly developed V8 engine, seven prototypes undertook significant testing including endurance runs of over 100,000 miles. Design innovations included separate subframes to carry the engine and transmission, suspension, steering and rear axle assemblies., with ‘Vibrashock’ rubber subframe mounts developed to isolate road noise and vibration.
The T-Series had an advanced chassis with independent suspension on all four wheels with automatic height control according to loading. Pressure for the self levelling suspension came from the triplicate hydraulic braking system which had disc brakes on all four wheels. The suspension comprised of double wishbones and coil springs at the front and semi-trailing arms at the rear.
The Bentley T-Series was hailed as a clear example of revolutionary engineering given it was the first Bentley to move away from a separate chassis build, and tis relatively lightweight construction gave impressive performance for a four-sedan in 1965, with a maximum speed of 115 mph and 0-62 mph achieved in 10.9 seconds.
1,868 examples of the first-generation T-Series were produced, with a pre-tax list price of £5,425 and the majority being standard four-door saloons. A two-door version was created in 1966, and a year later a convertible version was launched, although production numbers were kept low at just 41 cars. A second-generation car, known as the T2, was launch in 1977 and stayed in production until 1980.
