Currently, auction bidders seem to like cars with a bit of provenance – and Silverstone Auctions is hoping that the 1970 Bentley T1, once owned by the Duke of Devonshire, for sale on 24 May will tick that box – and get the buyers excited.
Although the T1’s currently an auction bargain, the fact that this car has passengered Her Majesty The Queen, former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, poet and writer Sir John Betjeman and both Princess Alexandra and Princess Margaret, should allow this one to stand out from the pack.
The car is being offered for sale due to lack of use by its current owner Leslie Bricusse, the English composer famous for writing a string of hits including the theme to James Bond’s Goldfinger, Sammy Davis Jnr’s What kind of fool am I and Nina Simone’s Feeling Good.
In addition to the car’s interesting past, it remains an appealing example and very useable classic in its own right. Having covered a believed genuine 70,000 miles from new, the car has been well-maintained during its life and is mechanically sound, having benefited from work totalling more than £3750 in 2012, including an overhaul of the brakes.
So, the question remains – how much will the Royal touch add to this car’s value and how much excitement will it generate in the auction block? We’re awaiting that one with interest.
More information at www.silverstoneauctions.com.
Is the Editor of the Parkers website and price guide, formerly editor of Classic Car Weekly, and launch editor/creator of Modern Classics magazine. Has contributed to various motoring titles including Octane, Practical Classics, Evo, Honest John, CAR magazine, Autocar, Pistonheads, Diesel Car, Practical Performance Car, Performance French Car, Car Mechanics, Jaguar World Monthly, MG Enthusiast, Modern MINI, Practical Classics, Fifth Gear Website, Radio 4, and the the Motoring Independent...
Likes 'conditionally challenged' motors and taking them on unfeasible adventures all across Europe.
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