Tips on looking for a Bentley T2

[Paul Bullock]

Dear Sir/Madam, I am in the early stages of looking for a mid to late 1970s Bentley T2 can anyone give me some tips on where to start looking, what i should be looking out for - good and bad, an organisation who could independantly inspect a car once i have found one and finally approx annual running cost based on no more than 5000 miles per year.

Sorry for all the questions.

Many Thanks
Paul

[GregE240]

Paul,

My dad owned a 1976 T1 for 10 years, if that would help you at all?

[Paul Bullock]

Greg

Thanks for the reply.

What would be the best way for me to comminicate with your Dad regarding questions i may have going forward. Would he have any thoughts to the questions i asked in my earlier message.

Thanks.
Paul
PS. I note in your reply name you have E240, do you drive a Mercedes? i currently have a 2 year old E270.

[Balmoral Green]

Paul, join the Bentley Drivers Club. They do pre-purchase inspections for members and can also value a car properly for your insurers if you have a gauranteed value policy. The clubs office isnt too far from you either.

Plus you can go to some local meets and there will usually be someone who knows lots about a particular variant. The clubs annual rally is on June 24th, well worth attending. There will be hundreds of all types of Bentley, there are sure to be dozens and dozens of 'T' types.

Also worth chatting to are Simon & Stuart at Phantom Motor cars.

Phantom...

www.netstoreonline.co.uk/pmcuk/default.asp

BDC...

www.bdcl.org/HomeFrame.htm

[mach]

There you go Paul..

Told you this was the place to ask!

Andrew

[GregE240]

Paul Bullock said:

Greg Thanks for the reply. What would be the best way for me to comminicate with your Dad regarding questions i may have going forward. Would he have any thoughts to the questions i asked in my earlier message. Thanks. Paul PS. I note in your reply name you have E240, do you drive a Mercedes? i currently have a 2 year old E270.

Hello Paul,

Sorry for the late reply.

Drop me a mail via my profile, and I will put you on to him, thats probably the easiest thing to do. I'm sure he would be more than happy to help and advise you.

I still do drive a Merc, a 500SL. I had my E Class until recently, now drive a Lexus LS430. I've been on PH so long I'll always be GregE240......


EDITed to add:

Warren (Balmoral Green) has a good point. Since embarking upon Bentley ownership in 1991, Dad has been a member of the Bentley Drivers Club. He has been to several events, all very good, and has insured both his cars through the club. For the membership price, the service and resources are very good. There is an excellent national event at Silverstone every year.

Secondly, bear in mind that the T1 was produced up until 1977 (some time), from then it was the T2 through until 1980, when the Mulsanne superceded it. Consequently, T2s are fairly rare, compared with the T1.

HTH,
Greg

>> Edited by GregE240 on Friday 28th April 11:24

[Paul Bullock]

Greg

Thanks for reply.

The best way to contact me would either be through my work email which is, [e-mail].

Many thanks for your help.

Regards
Paul

>> Edited by Paul Bullock on Friday 28th April 11:47

[GregE240]

Paul,

I would edit your post and remove your mobile phone number?

I have copied and pasted it and mailed it to my dad as he is not a regular reader of PH.

I will be speaking to him later so will remind him.....

Greg

[Paul Bullock]

Greg

Thanks for that, have now removed.

Look forward to hearing from you or your Dad.

Have a good week end.
Paul

[chats]

Like most old cars if you can't afford a good one, you cetainly can't afford a pup. And both come up, the 'family' cars that have been loved and cherished, and the used and abused.

Mate of mine restores them for a living, and will offer an inspection for a fee. Check him out at www.MichaelHibberd.co.uk . From memory one of the things that often need replacing is the suspension doughnuts, which involves having most of the rear suspension apart.

[Paul Bullock]

Neil

Many thanks for your comments, i willtake a look at Michael Hibberd's details and bare in mind once i have found a car.

Regards
Paul

[desmo]

Paul, The Bentley T is basically a very sound car, however the series 2 is better than series 1. Get it professionally checked by a Bentley specialist, not by an enthusiast!
Things to look out for are corroded hydraulic pipes, especially around the rear height control. Hydraulic brake accumulators loose gas pressure and need regular overhaul. Listen to the engine when cold, you can have 3 similar noises at half engine speed, brake pumps, should go when the pressure lights go out, hydraulic tappets, should also go as oil pressure rises and engine warms, third on is piston slap, which will indicate a rebuild. Generally starts on piston B3 or 4. caused by the liners being deformed by corrosion in the block and/or overheating. Not many people can accurately tell the difference between these noises, so be careful. Also, check for oil leaks on the tell-tale holes of the block, some oil seapage is normal but coolant leaking or holes blocked with silicone, walk away. It's a rebuild. you can e-mail me direct if you need more info.
If you can, visit P&A Woods in Essex to see what a good bentley looks like, then you'll have a reference point to start from.
regards, Desmo.