T2 or Continental running costs
Discussion
Anyone can help here on realistic running costs?
I’m about to pull the trigger on a T2 at the end of the month, but also looking at a Convertible Continental from 1982.
(I know not the same buying budget)
I’ll get the best car available at the moment of purchase.
But what are realistic running costs for say 3,000km a year (the car will be used all year long in our Biarritz house) and what does it need to be kept in mint condition : worse thing is showing up for a weekend and the car doesn’t start!!
Thanks for all feedbacks, really hope someone who actually runs one of these can share his/her experience.
I’m about to pull the trigger on a T2 at the end of the month, but also looking at a Convertible Continental from 1982.
(I know not the same buying budget)
I’ll get the best car available at the moment of purchase.
But what are realistic running costs for say 3,000km a year (the car will be used all year long in our Biarritz house) and what does it need to be kept in mint condition : worse thing is showing up for a weekend and the car doesn’t start!!
Thanks for all feedbacks, really hope someone who actually runs one of these can share his/her experience.
Edited by 911Thrasher on Thursday 8th February 12:58
If you plan to use a good specialist and keep the car long term in tip top order, then its a minimum couple of thousand a year, with a splashout of five thousand every few years to do something bigger.
I can't recommend Nigel Sandell highly enough.
Examples might be, a proper service and a set of Avons, thats £2000.
A service plus accumulators and valves, that's £2000.
A service and MOT, plus have the door cappings done, that's £2000.
A service, door cappings, discs and pads, couple of calipers, a few hoses, flush the fluid, a rad and a water pump, couple of coolant hoses. Couple of suspension bushes, there's £5000.
That's all very off the top of my head, but gives you an idea of the magnitude. They do like attention!
(Mine having £16k spent as I type...)
I can't recommend Nigel Sandell highly enough.
Examples might be, a proper service and a set of Avons, thats £2000.
A service plus accumulators and valves, that's £2000.
A service and MOT, plus have the door cappings done, that's £2000.
A service, door cappings, discs and pads, couple of calipers, a few hoses, flush the fluid, a rad and a water pump, couple of coolant hoses. Couple of suspension bushes, there's £5000.
That's all very off the top of my head, but gives you an idea of the magnitude. They do like attention!
(Mine having £16k spent as I type...)
Edited by Huntsman on Thursday 8th February 12:54
Thanks guys - so nothing scary really if I buy the right car.
£2,000 is peanuts compared to my usual toys which I occasionally track (964rs, Stradale, GT3RS, etc.) moving on from those as I have no more time and cannot enjoy them with the little family: wife and two little boys under 4, so time for a “cruiser”
£2,000 is peanuts compared to my usual toys which I occasionally track (964rs, Stradale, GT3RS, etc.) moving on from those as I have no more time and cannot enjoy them with the little family: wife and two little boys under 4, so time for a “cruiser”
I have a T2, and I think that the costs discussed are about right. If you know something is wrong get it fixed. Nigel Sandell is a lovely guy, but latterly I found him extremely expensive and the work done very disappointing, indeed on the last occasion the car came back worse than it went in after a five figure bill. As a result I now go to Bentley Glasgow where Peter Gentles the Service Manager is enthusiastic and knowledgeable (RREC member and owns a Shadow 2) and have been delighted with both the work and value for money - counterintuitive but true. So I suggest that you keep your eyes open.
The T2 is a marvellous car. The experts can no doubt tell you about the pros and cons of the Continental ,but I prefer the classic lines and feel of the T2.
The T2 is a marvellous car. The experts can no doubt tell you about the pros and cons of the Continental ,but I prefer the classic lines and feel of the T2.
I have a Shadow 11( for 13 years); providing you start with a good one the figures quoted are realistic. However, as the newest is now c36 years old finding a good one is the most important point.
The Continental and Shadow 11 will drive in a similar fashion, although the Continental has different rear suspension. Check previous posts on here re Harvey Bailey handling kits as the handling, even uprated, will be nothing like a 911. However, if you want to waft, they're ideal.
If you want it to start just ensure you have a decent battery and trickle-charger, there aren't really any computers, microwave alarms, fancy electronic as with modern 'stuff'.
Check rear discs as replacement is a labour-intensive, special tool, job.
The Continental and Shadow 11 will drive in a similar fashion, although the Continental has different rear suspension. Check previous posts on here re Harvey Bailey handling kits as the handling, even uprated, will be nothing like a 911. However, if you want to waft, they're ideal.
If you want it to start just ensure you have a decent battery and trickle-charger, there aren't really any computers, microwave alarms, fancy electronic as with modern 'stuff'.
Check rear discs as replacement is a labour-intensive, special tool, job.
Good luck! I had a T2 from 2003 to 2014 as an alternative to a people mover. It was brilliant and I loved it.I put four belts in the back and did about 1,000 miles a year in it - had it serviced annually and it never let let me down. Used it mainly for hauling children to and from school at the start and end of term. Took it from 24,000 miles to 36,000 miles and sold it for what I paid for it. Could not have done that with an XC90.
OldBenz - why did you sell? If that one it looked amazingly beautiful and straight panels.
My view is that we will do easy 3/4,000km a year with it as our Biarritz run...surfing up/down the coast, and Andorra skiing in the winter.
I have a very decent budget for the T2: up to 35k£ and of course more for the Corniche, if we find a good one. I don’t want a low miles car, I want a car that has miles on it and regular miles.
My view is that we will do easy 3/4,000km a year with it as our Biarritz run...surfing up/down the coast, and Andorra skiing in the winter.
I have a very decent budget for the T2: up to 35k£ and of course more for the Corniche, if we find a good one. I don’t want a low miles car, I want a car that has miles on it and regular miles.
911Thrasher said:
I don’t want a low miles car, I want a car that has miles on it and regular miles.
That may be quite tough, surf the market and check the reg numbers on the MOT check website and you'll see most of the Shadow/T cars do less than 1000 miles a year.You want to look for a car that's had plenty of ongoing spend regardless of miles.
£35k should get a very nice well kept T.
[quote=911Thrasher]OldBenz - why did you sell? If that one it looked amazingly beautiful and straight panels.
The T2 was perfect. I only sold her along with a couple of other cars to thin out my collections as I was spending less time in the UK and did not have enough storage. Of course, I have since acquired my own storage unit and regret selling her. It is in good hands with the current owner though.
Although prices have firmed since I sold in 2014 the T2/Shadow are still in my opinion one of the great classic bargains. The ride quality is wonderful - as good (unless pressing on) as my Phantom Drophead.
The only thing I would have liked is higher gearing for motorways. I did wonder whether a later 4 speed box would be an easy swap. Fuel consumption is very heavy but the tank is enormous so the range is ok.
My advise is to buy the best car you can find. You have a good budget. You will have a better choice if you would be prepared to consider a Shadow.
The T2 was perfect. I only sold her along with a couple of other cars to thin out my collections as I was spending less time in the UK and did not have enough storage. Of course, I have since acquired my own storage unit and regret selling her. It is in good hands with the current owner though.
Although prices have firmed since I sold in 2014 the T2/Shadow are still in my opinion one of the great classic bargains. The ride quality is wonderful - as good (unless pressing on) as my Phantom Drophead.
The only thing I would have liked is higher gearing for motorways. I did wonder whether a later 4 speed box would be an easy swap. Fuel consumption is very heavy but the tank is enormous so the range is ok.
My advise is to buy the best car you can find. You have a good budget. You will have a better choice if you would be prepared to consider a Shadow.
Well I have my eyes on a Corniche as well...but really I want a Bentley: softer front grille/bonnet lines
I’m prob going to bid on the Historics T2, chassis SBH32320
If anyone knows anything about it, and willing to share (here or by email) - i just love the colour combo: not bling, not dark and serious, not wedding...just hippie cool
I’m prob going to bid on the Historics T2, chassis SBH32320
If anyone knows anything about it, and willing to share (here or by email) - i just love the colour combo: not bling, not dark and serious, not wedding...just hippie cool
Edited by 911Thrasher on Wednesday 14th February 21:37
My advice is to go to the auction preview and crawl all over it. See if you can start it - should not smoke. It should rise quickly and the hydraulic brake warning lights should go off in a second or two if the hydraulics are all good. Does the a/c blow cold and has it been converted to modern refrigerant.
Difficult to gauge how nice it is inside - which is what these cars are all about. It should smell nice and leathery and not smell damp and musty like an old lady's knickers. I always reckon the smell of the interior is a good indicator of how well the car has been loved.
Good luck. I reckon you would get this for under 20k all in which will leave you decent wedge from your budget for your specialist do a major service and to sort everything out. I always used Hillier Hill who were ex-factory chaps and very good.
Difficult to gauge how nice it is inside - which is what these cars are all about. It should smell nice and leathery and not smell damp and musty like an old lady's knickers. I always reckon the smell of the interior is a good indicator of how well the car has been loved.
Good luck. I reckon you would get this for under 20k all in which will leave you decent wedge from your budget for your specialist do a major service and to sort everything out. I always used Hillier Hill who were ex-factory chaps and very good.
Edited by OLDBENZ on Wednesday 14th February 23:56
OLDBENZ said:
My advice is to go to the auction preview and crawl all over it. See if you can start it - should not smoke. It should rise quickly and the hydraulic brake warning lights should go off in a second or two if the hydraulics are all good. Does the a/c blow cold and has it been converted to modern refrigerant.
Difficult to gauge how nice it is inside - which is what these cars are all about. It should smell nice and leathery and not smell damp and musty like an old lady's knickers. I always reckon the smell of the interior is a good indicator of how well the car has been loved.
Good luck. I reckon you would get this for under 20k all in which will leave you decent wedge from your budget for your specialist do a major service and to sort everything out. I always used Hillier Hill who were ex-factory chaps and very good.
Body, trim, chrome, electricals, brakes can all be inspected or checked. Listen to the engine carefully.Difficult to gauge how nice it is inside - which is what these cars are all about. It should smell nice and leathery and not smell damp and musty like an old lady's knickers. I always reckon the smell of the interior is a good indicator of how well the car has been loved.
Good luck. I reckon you would get this for under 20k all in which will leave you decent wedge from your budget for your specialist do a major service and to sort everything out. I always used Hillier Hill who were ex-factory chaps and very good.
Edited by OLDBENZ on Wednesday 14th February 23:56
I think the single biggest risk with these (that is impossible to know about) is the coolant passages in the block, so you need to satisfy yourself that there has been sufficient changes of fresh coolant over the years to prevent a build up of corrosion/sediment in the block. Check the service history.
(The reason i am coming to the end of a engine rebuild that went as far as liners out, block cleaned and re-sealed is exactly this)
Other than that, if its visually ok, then go for it.
(A Ford Mondeo Vignale is £30k, this make much better sense)
911Thrasher said:
Can you recommend good places around West London for upkeeping/servicing and possibly sales (even though I already have my eyes on 2 cars)
Royce Service & Engineering in Betchworth, Surrey. Speak to Patrick Lloyd-Jacob. Hugely knowledgeable on all things Rolls and Bentley, very friendly and top class work in my experience. Thanks guys
went to look at a 1983 Bentley continental convertible...good from far but far from good: way too much rust to my taste
I have my eyes on a T2 (none of the DD Classics cars as I'm not a fan of the dark color), waiting to receive/understand what kind of restoration/works it has received in the past years. But it does present quite well (chassis SBH 32320)
and an Italian competitor (yet more expensive): Ferrari 412i auto
went to look at a 1983 Bentley continental convertible...good from far but far from good: way too much rust to my taste
I have my eyes on a T2 (none of the DD Classics cars as I'm not a fan of the dark color), waiting to receive/understand what kind of restoration/works it has received in the past years. But it does present quite well (chassis SBH 32320)
and an Italian competitor (yet more expensive): Ferrari 412i auto
SBH32320 seems to have been an auction regular from 2013 onwards.
Firstly in 2013 at Reeman Denise in Colchester, in its original colour, and seemingly subject to GBP10,000 of restoration a few years earlier. Interestingly, the mileage was listed as higher than stated at present...I would buy on condition, but also worth checking MOT history on line.
It was then offered at Coys in 2014 (no sale):
And again in 2015 following a color change:
http://www.coys.co.uk/cars/1978-bentley-t2
Now back at auction...
Firstly in 2013 at Reeman Denise in Colchester, in its original colour, and seemingly subject to GBP10,000 of restoration a few years earlier. Interestingly, the mileage was listed as higher than stated at present...I would buy on condition, but also worth checking MOT history on line.
It was then offered at Coys in 2014 (no sale):
And again in 2015 following a color change:
http://www.coys.co.uk/cars/1978-bentley-t2
Now back at auction...
Edited by Voxy on Wednesday 21st February 02:57
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