1988 | Bentley Turbo R

The Bentley Turbo R was a high-performance model produced from 1985 to 1997 with a total of 7,230 built in the 12-year production period. The 'R' stood for 'Roadholding', to set it apart from its predecessor, the Mulsanne and also sported a revised suspension with wider tyres on alloy wheels; a first for a Bentley. The suspension changes, although seemingly subtle, transformed the soft and less than well-controlled ride of the Mulsanne into that of a real performer. This was achieved by increasing the anti-roll bar rates in the front and rear and by increasing the damping. A Panhard rod to anchor the rear suspension was also introduced, reducing side-to-side movement in corners. The Turbo R was sold alongside the Mulsanne Turbo for a short time although the Mulsanne was taken out of production in 1985. For the 1987 model year, the Turbo R received anti-lock brakes and Bosch fuel injection replacing the Solex carburettors.

The example we have here is possibly one of the best Turbo R's available, having covered a fraction over 8,000 miles from new and with one private owner. The car is immaculately presented in Cotswold Beige with Parchment hide interior piped Fawn with Fawn carpets. The condition of the car really is extraordinary, it has clearly always been a cherished car from new and would be right at home in any collection of 'best of breed' cars. This Turbo R is sitting on the correct Avon Turbospeed tyres and fitted with the factory chrome grille, a vastly expensive option when new. The car was purchased new by the owner of a Ford dealership for his wife, who evidently only used the car occasionally, most likely only on dry days. This is certainly one of the finest Turbo R's we have had the pleasure of dealing with and examples like this are becoming very hard to come by. It appears as though the car spent three years in California, presumably being shipped out there by the original owner then shipped back over to the UK, a shipping document is present with the car as well as an original letter from Bentley congratulating the origiginal owner on his purchase. Supplied to auction with a V5C registration document, two keys and an MoT test certificate valid until September 2025. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1988
Make: Bentley
Model: Turbo R
Registration: E911 HFG
Chassis No: SCBZSOTA1JCH23657
Engine No: 63698L4101T/9
Mileage: 8,104


* Just one private owner from new

* Collector quality example