Description
5th Apr, 2025 11:00
The April 2025 Auction
1969 Bentley T1 Mulliner Park Ward Drophead Coupe
Imposing Bentley and one of only 41 made
Estimate
£35, 000 - £40, 000
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: DVG 640G
Chassis: TBC
Odometer: 45000
Transmission: Auto
MOT: March 2026
One of only 41 manufactured by Bentley / Mulliner Park Ward
Recently lightly recommissioned following a period of storage
Working electric hood
Lots of bills and invoices for work undertaken by the present owner
Comes with original tool kit and handbook
Comes with an advisory free MOT
The Bentley T1 was produced between 1965 and 1976, with just 41 convertible examples built between 1967 and 1971. These cars were converted on behalf of Bentley, by Mulliner Park Ward (MPW) and when new cost approximately 50% more than a standard 4 door T1.
This particular example is one of the original 41 that left the Bentley factory in its converted state. Finished in Forrest green with cream leather trim and a black electric hood (working), this very rare Bentley comes to us from a loving home and is only being sold as the owner is moving abroad.
Originally designed and built to a very high standard of precision and quality, this coach-built beauty presents very nicely – the car is incredibly imposing and special and really needs to be seen to be appreciated.
The current owner bought the car in 2017 for £43k, and since then he has spent in excess of £30k on maintenance and cosmetic improvements and there are invoices and bills on file to support this, the majority of which was undertaken by marque specialists RR & B Garages in Worcester. Apparently, there is another file of invoices spent on the car since it was new amounting to £80k – but this cannot be located at present and will hopefully be found prior to the auction. This includes a body and mechanical restoration in 2014/ 15 by P T Classics of Hatfield Paveral.
The exterior is very clean and tidy with minimal signs of wear and the chrome work is good, but there is no escaping the fact that the passenger side rear arch needs attention. In addition, there is some localised corrosion on the corner of the rear valance on the driver’s side. Matching AVON tyres also feature. The interior is also clean and exhibits only minimal signs of wear. The leather seat facings are in good order with minimal creasing, and the wood veneers are good both on the fascia and the door tops. The requisite lambswool over rugs feature front and rear, there is a retro look radio fitted as well and the electric hood works as it should.
In addition to the aforementioned invoices on file, we also have the original tool kit and Driver’s handbook – a nice touch.
The car is fitted with a useful immobilizer in the boot and comes with a colour coded tonneau cover.
The Bentley drives very well. We understand that the car is fitted with upgraded T2 compliant suspension which probably contributes to its lovely ride.
The auto box is smooth, and the car accelerates and brakes as it should. The power steering is finger touch light, although the power steering belts do squeak a little at low speeds. At some time in the past, the engine has been changed but the engine number indicates that it is correct for the era.
Overall this is a stunning looking coach built Bentley which can either be used as is and/ or improved over time – the choice is yours. Either way, the sense of occasion when driving this car is unparalleled and hence this rare car is not to be missed.
