Lot Ended
Description
Part of a considerable private collection; deceased estate; 1
of 89 RHD examples built; likely to be one of the first 20 MPW Coupes
built; originally registered as R1; now registered as WAA 3
The Bentley T-Series Mulliner Park Ward Coupé was a rare coachbuilt
variant of the standard T-Series, featuring elegant two-door bodywork by
Mulliner Park Ward over Bentley’s proven V8 chassis. Built in very limited
numbers in the late 1960s, these hand-finished cars combined traditional
craftsmanship with the refinement and performance expected of a Crewe-built
Bentley, and remain among the most exclusive and seldom-seen T-Series models
today.
Manufactured in 1967, this particularly
handsome example, chassis number CBH2018, is believed to be among the first 20
cars built, making it an early and desirable example. It has formed part of a
considerable private collection since 2001 and is now offered from a deceased
estate, several other Aston Martins, Bentleys and Jaguars from the same
ownership also being included in this auction.
Originally delivered to W. Watson & Co. Ltd. of Liverpool, the
car was first registered as ‘R1’ and was specified to a very high standard,
reportedly including electric windows, refrigeration, wool rugs and a full set
of eight Bentley suitcases among its many options.
The car is accompanied by a substantial history file, the current
family having carefully traced the previous nine owners back to new, recording
registration number changes and even contacting previous keepers to help
document the car’s history. Also included is the original Crewe build sheet,
confirming the factory specification of Garnet Red with an Everflex roof over
beige leather, as the car appears today, together with the relevant production
dates recorded at the time of build.
Last MOT
tested in 2017, when it passed without advisories, this MPW Coupé has seen
little use in recent years and is currently displaying 4,658 miles.
Correspondence from a previous keeper to Bentley records the mileage as 89,327
in 1980, suggesting the odometer may have passed the 100,000-mile mark at some
point; as ever, bidders should satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the
mileage shown.
The Garnet Red paintwork retains a
good depth of colour and pleasing shine, with minor imperfections commensurate
with the age of the car but no obvious major dents or scratches. The chrome work
has also aged well, as has the optional Everflex roof, both presenting in
keeping with the car’s overall appearance. The beige leather interior remains
suitably luxurious, showing no obvious rips or tears, while the headlining
appears in good order. The traditional Bentley wood veneer is generally well
preserved, although the original lacquer shows some age-related cracking, a
common feature of cars of this period, but does not detract from the overall
presentation.
In summary, this Mulliner Park
Ward-built T-Series Coupé appears to be a particularly rare example, retaining
its original specification and supported by a comprehensive history file
recording its ownership from new. With early coachbuilt Bentleys seldom coming
to market, especially with such provenance, this represents a rare opportunity
to acquire a highly exclusive Crewe-built motor car.
Contact -
jack.kenneally-perrin@brightwells.com