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World’s Oldest Bentley T-Series Returns Home
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.
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.
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.
Automotive
Elite Group Holding and Jetour Ignite Liwa Festival 2026 with a Powerful Brand Showcase Across the Desert
Jetour, in exclusive partnership with Elite Group Holding in the UAE, has officially kicked off the Liwa International Festival 2026 with a dynamic brand presence designed to celebrate adventure, culture, and community. As the festival opens its doors for a 23-day celebration in the Al Dhafra region, Jetour stands front and centre, welcoming visitors with interactive displays, premium experiences, and thrilling off-road moments that embody the spirit of Travel+.
Recognised as one of the UAE’s most anticipated annual events, the Liwa International Festival welcomes thousands of visitors for an unforgettable celebration of heritage, motorsport, and entertainment. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Al Dhafra’s golden dunes, the festival features an extraordinary line-up of cultural showcases, high-energy competitions, nightly performances, and family-friendly attractions, all paying homage to the UAE’s deep connection to its desert traditions.
For the 2026 edition, Jetour will elevate the festival experience with a comprehensive presence across multiple zones, showcasing the brand’s innovation, exploration, and community engagement. Attendees can enjoy interactive test drives alongside lifestyle-driven hospitality experiences, with Jetour’s showcase crafted to highlight the versatility, capability, and premium comfort of its SUV line-up.
At the heart of the activation was the Jetour VIP Camp. During the first week, from December 12th to 14th, guests experienced a range of immersive cultural activities, including Arabic Tanoora performances, oud sessions, falconry, henna artistry, and traditional Dalla service. Additional weekends bring a world-music DJ fusion with international drummers and performers from December 19th to 21st, followed by an Eastern-inspired programme from December 26th to 28th featuring a Dragon show, Chinese calligraphy, Bian Lian performances, tea tasting, and more. Throughout the entire festival, the VIP Camp will boast a Majlis, outdoor cinema, refreshments, giant board games, neon installations, volleyball, and a photobooth, creating an elevated retreat for families and adventure-seekers.
In the Corporate Area, Jetour presents a fully branded showroom-style display active from December 12th to January 3rd, featuring flagship SUVs including the G700, T2 i-DM 4WD, T2 Luxury Plus, T1, and Dashing. As the festival reaches its peak, Jetour will also command attention at Tal Moreeb from December 31st to January 3rd, where the imposing G700 takes centre stage beside the grandstand culminating with a spectacular New Year’s Eve show and fireworks.
“Our participation at this year’s Liwa Festival reflects Jetour’s passion for connecting with communities through truly immersive experiences,” said Haroon Hayat, Group CFO of Elite Group Holding. “Moments like this remind us that personal achievements are only possible when backed by the dedication of an exceptional team. We are proud to bring Jetour’s adventurous DNA to one of the UAE’s most celebrated cultural gatherings.”
Jetour, under the exclusive distributorship of Elite Group Holding, continues to redefine the UAE’s SUV landscape with its Travel+ philosophy, delivering innovation, intelligent design, and powerful performance tailored for modern lifestyles. With a growing presence across the Emirates, Jetour’s premium SUV line-up is crafted for drivers who value capability, comfort, and discovery across both city roads and rugged terrain.
As Liwa International Festival 2026 begins its annual celebration of heritage and adventure, Jetour is ready to take attendees on a journey of excitement and discovery that captures the true essence of Travel+.
Emirates Petroleum Company PJSC (Emarat), a pioneer in the UAE’s oil and gas industry, showcased latest portfolio of lubricants during Automechanika Dubai 2025. As per reports, UAE lubricants demand is forecast to reach 200 million litres by 2030.
With a lubricants business built over more than three decades of manufacturing and global marketing, Emarat’s presence at the exhibition focussed on strengthening channel partnerships, expanding regional reach, and demonstrating performance-led formulations aligned with today’s engine requirements and operating conditions.
On the sidelines of Automechanika Dubai 2025, Emarat’s lubricants team also hosted partner engagements at the stand, including signing landmark agreements to enter into new markets like Armenia and Mauritius with organized partners focusing on distribution and market development. These agreements focused on consolidation of commercial market and growth in Mauritius with Concorde Auto Parts Co. LTD and also emerge into lubricant market alongside Emarat fuel station network with MEGA TRADE L.L.C. in Armenia.
Burny Johnson, Senior Vice President, Lubricants, Emarat, said, “Automechanika Dubai is a decisive platform for the aftermarket where product credibility is tested and long-term supply partnerships are built. Over the past year, we have strengthened the technical advantages of our portfolio to meet industry norms and the real expectations of end users including reliability, protection of critical components, and uptime. Alongside showcasing our latest formulations, we focused on expanding our distributor footprint starting with three new market partnerships that deepened reach and built momentum for the next phase of growth.”
“Looking ahead to 2030, we have clear ambitions in the UAE and beyond, to expand our lubricants business across several countries. We are committed to raising standards, delivering value for partners and customers, and helping shape a more performance-driven lubricants ecosystem,” added Burny.
Emarat displayed a curated selection of its lubricants across pack sizes during the show. The range included 4-litre packs of Power Ultima 0W-16, Power Synth 5W40, XAT SUV, Power Plus, Gear Max HY, and Ultra Cool 50; 5-litre packs of Power Thrust Plus 15W40 and Power Optima 5W40 CK-4; and 1-litre packs of Power Bike 4T, Power Synth 5W30, XAT SUV, Power Plus 20W50, Ultra Cool, and TransMax.
Emarat also hosted its regional partners during the event including Foshan Jian Fu Hong Trading Co. Ltd., Alliance Tractors, Dynatrade LLC, and AW Rostamani Trading Co LLC among other global partners.
Furthermore, market outlook indicators continue to underline the scale of the category, with one leading industry forecast estimating the global lubricants market will reach USD 180 billion by 2030. According to Mordor Intelligence, lubricants demand in the UAE is forecast to reach 200 million litres by 2030.
General Motors (GM) announced a leadership transition for its Africa and Middle East Operations, as the business drives to lead the roll-out of personal autonomous technologies and digital services, deployed in world-class vehicles from brands that customers know and trust.
Jorge Plata, currently vice president Sales, Service and Marketing at GM Mexico, Central America and Caribbean will take on the role of president and managing director GM AMEO, effective March 1, 2026.
Plata will succeed Jack Uppal who will move to the position of president and managing director GM Canada, after three years leading GM AMEO.
GM president, EMEA and ANZ Michael MacPhee said that during his time at GM Mexico, Plata has led the strategy to ensure GM continues to be a leading player in one of the most dynamic markets in the world.
“Jorge has a proven track record of focusing on our customers, sustaining trusted brands and building strong partnerships so GM can compete strongly against long-time rivals and new entrants,” said MacPhee.
“As GM prepares to celebrate its centenary in the Middle East and Africa, we are determined to build on our deep connection with customers, partners and government, to chart the course of GM’s next century in the region.”
Plata said: “This is an incredible time lead the AMEO business for GM. We have a world-class portfolio of connected vehicles, and we are leading the region with new technologies like hands-free, eyes-on Super Cruise.”
“I look forward to working with our dealers, partners – and of course our talented GM team – to shape the future of transportation in the region. I’m energized by the region’s bold ambitions and dynamic landscape, and GM sees great opportunities and a bright future in the Middle East and Africa.”
MacPhee thanked Uppal for his leadership of the AMEO business and wished him well in his new role.
“Jack not only delivered consistent growth, he developed deep relationships across the region and led a strategy to bring more choice and technology to our customers – across price points and propulsion systems,” said MacPhee. “He also spearheaded the turnaround of the GM Egypt business, restoring Chevrolet to the market leadership position.”
Uppal said: “Serving as the leader of GM Africa & Middle East over the past three years has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Together, we have delivered vehicles that excite our customers and achieved this alongside an exceptionally talented team. With his extensive experience, Jorge is well poised to sustain this momentum and guide the region toward continued success.”
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