70's Bentley's please discuss

[Renn Sport]

I have been thinking about getting a classic car that I can take my family to shows and events. The two that I have aren't really comfy enough and the VW Bus is a bit too modern really. My wife suggested another 68 Mustang, but I have been there and done that.

I have watching a couple of classic Bentleys from 1970-1980 on eBay and Autotrader. I think I would really love to own one of these iconic cars.

What are they like to own? Troublesome? Costly?

I have seen one with a kippered engine but seemingly sound body. I was thinking, small block chevy, tremec 5 speed, LSD and Torque Thrusts. Although this does seem rather sacrilegious. Alternatively I could go for BMW E39 4.4 V8 if it would fit.

Just getting that feeling to try something different.

[vixen1700]

I'd imagine them to be be pretty costly, both to run and repair. Probably a few old dog wedding cars out there going cheap, but I suppose you get what you pay for.

Have you considered a Rover P5B Coupe?, plenty of coolness there and much less in the way of expense if they go wrong/need bodywork.

Edited by vixen1700 on Thursday 9th December 16:34

[Balmoral Green]

Renn Sport said:

I was thinking, small block chevy, tremec 5 speed, LSD and Torque Thrusts. Although this does seem rather sacrilegious.

I've had similar thoughts in the past too. That would actually work out quiet cheap if you are handy with a spanner, a lot cheaper than genuine RR parts for that level of drivetrain work.

[PATTERNPART]

Surely the Bentley V8 is the best bit. Look at what the Phantom Motors boys do at Bentley Drivers Club Silverstone race meeting.

[Huntsman]

You're talking about a T or T11, both basically the Silver Shudder Royce.

I reckon its doable, gearbox is GM, motor pretty strong, suspension and brakes all Citreon licensed technology so if you have a good Citroen indy to hand it should be ok.

Rust is a major concern.

I agree, nice way to travel for the money.

Seen this one?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rolls-Royce-Shadow-1-1966-ne...

[neutral 3]

Jenson Interceptor , 4 seats , bargain price and looks to die for.........

[LOGiK]

I can only speak from what I've heard, but seemingly simple things like brake systems can be horribly costly to repair when/if they go wrong due to part availability/cost.

I can't guarantee this, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

[AndrewW-G]

You may want to repost in the RR & B section, there are a few Ex Crewe guys there who realy know their stuff . . . . . . their advice was of great help, when I was stuffing Turbo R oily bits into a Corniche coupe (so a similar sort of project)

[Renn Sport]

I'm fairly handy with a spanner but need some guidance sometimes.

Essentially it would be nice to have all of the original running gear but I feel reliability and parts could be a problem.

I just remember booming my way to le mans in my 928 racing tracking a bentley up steep hill outside rouen. Great feeling.

Hmmm spoke to my mechanic buddy who modifies all sorts... Spoke to him about the bentley plan. He was horrified by my wanting to chop one up. Well only the drive train, which by now would seriously wimpy.

I am afraid to venture into the bentley and roller forum. They may talks exception to me. ;-)

[Balmoral Green]

Renn Sport said:

I am afraid to venture into the bentley and roller forum. They may talks exception to me. ;-)

Some of us are quite common, there is a rough end

You should have a look and a search through, there have been several threads giving advice on buying Shadows/T's/Mulsannes/Spirits etc.

[Balmoral Green]

PATTERNPART said:

Surely the Bentley V8 is the best bit. Look at what the Phantom Motors boys do at Bentley Drivers Club Silverstone race meeting.

Agreed, but look at how much they've spent too, not including the value of the hours.

It is quite a lot

If the OP is planning on keeping the car standard, they are really reliable and parts costs aren't too bad if you know where to source bargain new parts or good secondhand parts.

If he wants to create a bit of a hot rod though, a new crated turn key LS engine with several hundred, or even over a thousand horsepower, would cost relatively little compared to hotting up the real thing.

[Penguinracer]

How about a tuned Turbo R engine with a 6-speed manual box in a Shadow I/II or TI/ T2?
You should be able to source the engine from a wrecker.

[Renn Sport]

Hi chaps, thanks for the responses. I do feel a Bentley purchase coming on sometime in the new year.

I shall keep everyone posted.

[GolfMan]

I have to agree with most of the people here: costly. The old joke goes that a Bentley, BMW, Rolls, etc never gets CHEAP. After you get done paying for it, it reminds you that it's a luxury car every time something breaks. And you can't just get a car wrap for this thing. You're going to need a serious garage. I've heard nightmares. But if you're going to do it, get yourself a BMW V8. That's your best fit, no doubt.
_____________________________
LOL: funny Facebook status

Edited by GolfMan on Monday 9th April 01:50

[Huntsman]

There is oodles of info on the web, all the service info.

Lots of Shadows and T1 and T2 being broken for spares.

I reckon someone handy with spanners and prepared to do the homework would get on just fine.

I'd be most worried about rust.

[Renn Sport]

After some reserach.. (surfing) I have seen some tidy Bentley's being broken up. I have to agree the biggest issue for me is rust. After carful consideration and reading the articles written by James May I have come to the following conclusion.

I want to find a running machine with sound body and floor for around 6k tops. Drive as is for a long as it lasts and then a full strip and sale of the good parts. This should help fund some of the replacement parts. I'd be replacing the entire running gear with Chevy stuff. The parts are so readliy available and so much cheaper then the original running gear it seems the best bet.

I have seen this RR/Bently breaker in the south that seem to delight in breaking the things up. Perhaps a cheap complete body can be had for a reasonable sum?

Imagine a Pro Touring Bentley.

Now I must confess, I have a double Garage to have built in the new year. A 911 to have repainted and a 356 to rebuild. So this little adventure is ear marked securely in the to do box. It beats buying another Yank motor in my thinking.

[Penguinracer]

Are you envisaging something like this?:

www.knfilters.com/news/news.aspx?id=1685

or

www.hotrod.com/eventcoverage/hrdp_1009_dan_fink_me...

An LS7 or the ZR1's supercharged LS9 would be a fantastic package.

[Renn Sport]

Thats exactly what I am thinking. However I don't think mine would be as show quality as those cars. Also I don't think a blower is in the frame.

Many thanks for the inspiration.. I'd rather have a Bently then a Roller though.

[Penguinracer]

A few more piccies to help motivate you:

http://autoshow.autos.msn.com/autoshow/SEMA2008/ph...

I like what they've done with the interior!

[Renn Sport]

Excellent...

Your not helping my other projects along!

However WOW thanks. How cool is that Roller.