It's been just over fifty years now since the ground breaking 'new modern' Rolls-Royce/Bentley came out.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley T with the all new monocoque body -unheard of on any previous Crewe car.
This was the car that set the new standard for the luxury vehicle market.
Today it is still as well equipped with what we now take for granted in every modern car (aside from navigation and Bluetooth phone systems).
Power steering, electric windows, electric seats, air conditioning, power door locks, power boot lock, power antenna, high end stereo system (ok, 8 track or cassette), automatic transmission, self leveling suspension,cruise control, warning lights on the rear edge of open doors... just to name a few.
But also a superior ride quality to almost all modern cars - no matter what make.
Admit it. Modern cars may go around corners faster but their ride leaves a lot to be desired.
Silver Shadows and Ts are still bargains for what you get for your money. Mind you, try to avoid one that needs a lot of work. You can buy a really fine example of one of these for the price of a well equipped new 'ordinary' car.
OK, I'm not saying to forget about buying an everyday Camry or Chevrolet and buy one of these instead... I'm just pointing out that their prices have not soared like Ferraris, Jaguars and Aston Martins of the same vintage with which they were in the same price category and class.
Silver Shadow/T prices are nowhere near the aforementioned cars' current seven digit figures.
That may change.
I was intrigued to see that of all the cars that Bentley Motors has decided to have their 'craftsman' apprentices restore as a project they have chosen one of the first Bentley T four door saloons.
They will have unlimited access to any part and material they require and will learn a lot from this dream project to keep these old skills alive.
This car when finished will be stunning. And worth a lot of money.
Buy now before they jump up.
(Posted by David Irvine)