Outwardly distinguishable from the Silver Shadow only by virtue of its different radiator and winged 'B' mascot, the T-Series Bentley was introduced alongside its Rolls-Royce sibling in 1965.

Mechanically identical, the duo represented a complete break from tradition, being the first of the Crewe factory's models to employ unitary construction.

Originally of 6,230cc, the pushrod V8 engine grew to 6,750cc in 1970 and provided identical power in either application.

Introduced in 1977 alongside the Shadow II, the T2 gained split-level air-conditioning, rack and pinion steering, revised dashboard and a chin spoiler.

Bentley was seen as very much the 'junior' marque at this time - its resurgence in the form of the Mulsanne Turbo was still some five years away - and sold in correspondingly limited numbers.

By the time production ceased in 1980, only 568 Bentley T2s had found customers compared with over 10,500 Rolls-Royce Shadow IIs, and today this arguably more handsome car is increas...