In the between-the-wars decades, bespoke coachwork was the norm on high quality chassis, but after WW2 the motor industry's wholesale switchover to unitary construction of the chassis/body severely restricted the freedom of the few surviving coachbuilders to create unique bodies for wealthy clients.

Rather, coachbuilders increasingly produced 'concept cars' for manufacturers but only rarely for individuals, some of which might eventually make it into production if favourably received.

In this context, this Pininfarina-styled T-Series Bentley is unquestionably one of the more interesting cars of its era.

Known as the ' Coupé Speziale ', it was the work of Paolo Martin, a gifted stylist who had started his career with Michelotti in 1960.

He moved to Bertone in 1967 and the following year was appointed chief of Pininfarina's styling department where he would be responsible for innovative designs such as the Ferrari Dino Competizione and 512S Modulo, Alfa Romeo P33 and Lancia Beta Mont...