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World’s Oldest Bentley T-Series Returns Home

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8 months ago

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front three-quarter shot of a Bentley T Series parked indoors under studio lighting.

The world’s oldest Bentley T-Series, a standard saloon in Shell Grey, has returned to Crewe after 59 years. Sensitively recommissioned and retaining much of its original componentry and running gear, it takes its place in the Bentley Heritage Collection of road- and race-cars that together describe all 105 years of Bentley’s history.

T-Series chassis number SBH1001 was used as a company trials car and featured in the original press coverage following the model launch at the 1965 Paris Salon de l’Auto. When found under a cover in storage, the car had not run for decades and was missing several key areas – including its entire interior. The car’s significance as the first T-Series – or equivalent Rolls Royce Silver Shadow – off the production line prompted the decision to recommission it, preserving as much of the original car as possible.

Mike Sayer, Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, explains: “The T-Series is one of the final two pieces of the puzzle to complete our rejuvenated Heritage Collection. Our Chief Communications Officer, Wayne Bruce and I quite literally found it under a tarpaulin in the back of a warehouse, and given it was the first-of-line chassis we knew we had to save it. Together with our T-Series Mulliner Coupe, this revitalised sedan completes the Bentley heritage story of the 1960s and 1970s, and is now an outstanding example of the model, which was the first Bentley to use a unitary monocoque construction.”

After a group of Bentley apprentices started the process of dismantling and assessing the car, the recommissioning of the T-Series was entrusted to the expert team at P&A Wood, specialists in the preservation and restoration of classic Bentleys and the company’s partner for Heritage Collection projects. Louise Wood, daughter of co-founder Andrew Wood, led the project, supported by Coachwork manager Dave Lowe – a P&A Wood veteran of 23 years.

front cabin of a restored Bentley T Series

Restored to Prime Condition

Taking stock of the T-Series Bentley, key elements of the drivetrain proved to be in surprisingly good condition. The engine burst into life after a 15-year silence, needing only a thorough service, and the gearbox simply required minor adjustment. The rear axle too was in a good state and only needed new seals.

Major challenges for the team included a missing dashboard, no interior trim, a wiring loom in pieces without a detailed diagram, corrosion around the rear subframe and previous poor-quality crash repairs. With few replacement parts available off-the shelf, the team sourced a donor vehicle that was at the end of its life. As the specification of the T-Series evolved over the years, it was important that the donor should also be an early model. Every detail was discussed and pored over, right down to the correct (Rolls-Royce) logo on the seat belt buckles and the lack of wing mirrors.

The T Series featured innovative vibration-deadening Vibrashock mounts and a two-circuit hydro-pneumatic ride height control, all of which were thoroughly overhauled. All hydraulic hoses were replaced, and unique components like the brake distribution valves were restored to full working condition. Rewiring and fitting the dashboard proved a major undertaking, requiring huge amounts of time and perseverance. 

Meanwhile the paintwork was stripped, revealing poorly executed accident repair work and inconsistent panel gaps. One rear wing was corroded and had to be replaced, after which the entire vehicle was given multiple coats of 2k high build primer, each coat being carefully sanded down once dry. ‘We spent a lot of time softening the panel edges, so they don’t look carved out of filler,’ Dave Lowe explains. ‘And though we’re using modern two-pack finishes, we tried to do everything in the old Crewe way.’ That included a final sand down with 8000 grit abrasive followed by machine polishing. Brightwork and bumpers were cleaned and polished, but not re-chromed – preserving the original patina.

That story now begins a new chapter, as the T-Series is reunited with its former press office registration number of 1900 TU as the latest addition to the Heritage Collection. Along with the 45 other cars in the Collection, the T-Series will live on Bentley’s campus in Crewe, England, on permanent display and kept in running, road legal condition to enable driving when needed.

a black and white front-angle action shot of a vintage Bentley T Series driven on the road

The Bentley T-Series

In 1958, work began on designing the first monocoque Bentley and Rolls-Royce, destined to replace coachbuilt bodies underpinned by a separate chassis. The result was the car sold by Bentley as the T-Series and by Rolls-Royce as the Silver Shadow. By 1962, John Blatchley – famous for styling the R-Type Continental – had completed a new exterior design for a steel and aluminium monocoque body. The design improved on the passenger space of the preceding S3, but with the overall car now seven inches shorter, five inches lower and three and a half inches narrower.

Using the freshly developed 225 bhp, 6.23-litre V8 engine, seven prototypes undertook significant testing including endurance runs of over 100,000 miles. At the time the engine achieved the highest specific output by weight of any production car in the world of 2.7 lb/hp (1.2 kg/hp).  Design innovations included separate sub frames to carry the engine and transmission, suspension, steering and rear axle assemblies, with ‘Vibrashock’ rubber sub frame mounts developed to isolate road noise and vibration.   

The Bentley T-Series was hailed as a clear example of revolutionary engineering given it was the first Bentley to move away from a separate chassis build, and its relatively lightweight construction gave impressive performance for a four-sedan in 1965, with a maximum speed of 115 mph and 0-62 mph achieved in 10.9 seconds. 1,868 examples of the first-generation T-Series were produced, with a pre-tax list price of £5,425 and the majority being standard four-door saloons.

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Automotive

MICHELIN Primacy 5 Launches in the Middle East and Africa

Published

1 week ago

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May 15, 2025

By

Michelin

Michelin is introducing the MICHELIN Primacy 5 to the Middle East and Africa. With nearly 20 years of legacy in the Middle East’s entry and premium tyre segment, the Primacy line continues to evolve, offering a latest-generation tyre designed that meets the diverse needs of drivers in the region.

Harkesh Jaggi, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing for Michelin Middle East & North Africa, commented, “Our markets consistently demand high-quality tyres that offer superior comfort, safety, and durability. Michelin has been a pioneer in tyre technology, and with the Primacy range, its legacy continues spanning nearly 20 years in the Middle East continuously evolving to meet drivers’ changing needs and expectations. The evolution to the MICHELIN Primacy 5 in 2025 marks a significant milestone. We believe this tyre line will be highly successful across Africa and the Middle East, delivering outstanding performance and sustainability benefits.”

A Tyre Built for Lasting Performance, Safety, and Durability

Developing a new generation of tyres presents several challenges as it requires enhancing multiple key performance areas without compromising others. The MICHELIN Primacy 5 excels by simultaneously improving lifespan, silence and comfort while maintaining a high level of safety.

Thanks to a new patented tread pattern and a 10% increase in groove depth compared to the MICHELIN Primacy 4+, the MICHELIN Primacy 5 optimises water evacuation, improving wet braking performance and increasing safety by 4% on wet surfaces when new. With an 18% increase in lifespan, this tyre allows drivers to travel approximately 7,000 km further than its predecessor, ensuring safe and comfortable journeys on both urban roads and long-distance routes throughout the Middle East and Africa.

As vehicles grow heavier and demand for durability rises, the MICHELIN Primacy 5 is engineered to meet these challenges while supporting environmental sustainability. Additionally, the growing popularity of electric vehicles highlights the need for noise reduction and comfort. The Primacy 5 builds on the legacy of the Primacy range by integrating Michelin’s expertise in minimising interior noise and optimising ride comfort.

Michelin’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Michelin is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint by conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) at every stage of a tyre’s life, from development and manufacturing to transport, usage, and end-of-life. Each new tyre must outperform its predecessor in both performance and efficiency. The MICHELIN Primacy 5 improves its LCA by 6%, driven by a 18% increase in lifespan and a 5% reduction in rolling resistance. This commitment ensures that the Primacy 5 not only meets the demands of today’s drivers but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Designed for Hatchbacks, Sedans, Crossovers, and SUVs Across All Engine Types

The MICHELIN Primacy 5 is engineered to meet the needs of hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers, and SUVs across the Middle East and Africa. It ensures superior performance regardless of engine type – combustion, hybrid, or electric.

Advanced Technologies Powering the MICHELIN Primacy 5

The MICHELIN Primacy 5 is built with technology designed to enhance safety, longevity, and comfort. Michelin EverTread Technology increases the tyre’s void ratio by over 13% compared to its predecessor, optimising lateral groove edges to improve water evacuation and wet performance. The integration of Michelin EverGrip Technology ensures exceptional wet braking performance throughout the tyre’s lifespan, thanks to next-generation functional elastomers that maintain safety without compromising longevity.

For a smoother and quieter driving experience, Silent Rib Gen-3 technology employs multi-zoning void tuning, with intermediate ribs designed to minimise vibration and noise. Meanwhile, MaxTouch Technology maximises road contact and evenly distributes forces of acceleration, braking, and cornering. This not only extends tread life but also enhances overall driving safety.

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Automotive

SelfDrive Mobility Expands into Luxury Chauffeur-Driven Services with the Launch of OTO

Published

1 week ago

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May 13, 2025

By

a low-wide-angle shot of a man in suit standing in front of a parked car with open butterfly doors

In a strategic expansion set to redefine the future of premium transport, SelfDrive Mobility—the region’s largest mobility tech company and leading car subscription and rental platform—officially announced the launch of OTO, a next-generation chauffeur-driven service. Seamlessly blending advanced technology, sustainable mobility, and luxury vehicles, OTO is now live across the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, offering an elevated travel experience tailored for modern professionals and discerning travelers.

“OTO is a next-generation tech platform elevating premium luxury chauffeur services with seamless digital innovation and smart efficiency. We blend advanced technology with premium customer service to create a smoother, more convenient, and modern mobility experience. With OTO, every journey is effortless, refined, and designed for ultimate comfort with personalized services,” said Soham Shah, CEO and Founder of SelfDrive Mobility.

With on-demand vehicles deployed in as little as one hour, OTO’s curated fleet features top-tier models from BMW, Tesla, Lexus, Audi, Mercedes, and more. Every vehicle is operated by a professional chauffeur trained to uphold the highest standards of safety, etiquette, and punctuality. OTO leverages SelfDrive’s existing cross-border travel corridors to ensure regionally consistent service—a key differentiator from traditional local operators.

OTO’s Suite of Services Includes:

  • Hourly Chauffeur Services – Flexible, tailored rides designed to accommodate multiple scheduled meetings seamlessly.
  • Daily Chauffeur Services – Full-day luxury transportation at your service.
  • Weekly Chauffeur Services – Ideal for business travelers, C-suite executives, event attendees.
  • Monthly Chauffeur Services – Long-term, premium travel for corporates, C-suite executives and VIPs.
  • Intercity Transfers (One Way) – ideal for airport transfers and travel between different Emirates.
  • Intercity (Round Trip) – hassle-free city-to-city commutes.
  • Corporate Mobility – Chauffeur-driven vehicles for all business needs.
  • Bus & Coach Services – Group transport for staff, events, tours, and teams.
  • School Rides – Safe, reliable daily pick-up and drop-off for students.
  • Competitively Priced Premium Service – OTO offers a luxury chauffeur-driven experience at competitive rates, backed by SelfDrive’s robust tech ecosystem, ensuring transparent pricing, instant confirmations, real-time tracking, and secure payments.

Customers can connect with the OTO concierge team directly via call or WhatsApp for personalized service and instant bookings. Whether for airport transfers, board meetings, or family travel, OTO guarantees a refined journey, every time.

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Automotive

GM Middle East starts the year strong with first quarter growth in full-size SUVs and pickups

Published

2 weeks ago

on

May 12, 2025

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GM

General Motors (GM) Middle East announced one of its strongest performances in recent years, driven by regional high demand across Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac in full-size SUVs and pickups. Sales increased by 26% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, highlighting the popularity and love for GM’s vehicles.

With a 99-year track record in the Middle East, Chevrolet and GMC continue to resonate with customers across the region, offering capability, space, and performance, while Cadillac remains a popular choice among luxury vehicle buyers. GM had a powerful start to the year as it had recently launched the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade in the last six months, some of the region’s most loved vehicles.

Putting customers at the forefront, the performance results of the manufacturer reflect the holistic approach to customer experience and the unequivocal services offered by GM and its dealer partner network.

GM Middle East continues to lead in the region’s full-size pickups, and is among the top brands for full-size sports utility vehicles (SUV) with total sales up 55% for GM’s full-size SUVs year-on-year. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban witnessed a 22% rise, while the GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse went up 47% and Cadillac Escalade at 16%, year-on-year.

Moreover, from a connectivity standpoint, GM’s pioneering in-vehicle technology that enhances convenience, safety, security and infotainment – OnStar – saw a 45% rise in activations in the first quarter of 2025 year-on-year. Coupled with OnStar’s recent rollout of the new suite of app enhancements this year such as intuitive navigation, more powerful remote commands and real-time insights, OnStar is raising the bar for what’s possible in connected vehicles.

Through committing to customers and keeping them at the center, GM Middle East’s after-sales performance achieved an all-time record in customer satisfaction scores, reflecting the company’s commitment to delivering world-class service across the region. At GM Middle East, six out of every ten customers within our service network return for service. Innovative initiatives in digital customer experience and consistent investment in service training have empowered speedier responses and better service across the service dealer network. In addition, GM’s parts availability has reached exceptional levels, ensuring quicker turnaround and greater confidence for every visit.

Jack Uppal, President & Managing Director, General Motors Africa & Middle East, said, “From full-size SUVs to capable trucks, our brands are aligned with what customers in the region value most — power, innovation, and presence on the road. Catering to our loyal customers and enticing future GM vehicle owners, our Q1 performance encapsulates the innovation and unwavering commitment to customers that GM upholds. With this fantastic start, we are greatly looking forward to driving more success through the rest of 2025.”

This year will see GM accelerate its regional strategy with a diverse portfolio from attainable compact SUVs and EUVs to the rugged and powerful pickups and luxury at its best. The company remains committed to its customers and vision of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion underpinned by its state-of-the-art designs and engineering, pioneering advanced in-vehicle technology and top-quality products.

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