Beschreibung
"The Turbo R is the first Bentley in decades deserving of the famous name"
The Bentley Turbo R is a high-performance model produced by Bentley Motors Limited. At the time, it was very positively received by the automotive world, and was a much needed boost for the Crewe based company. The "R" stood for 'roadholding', to set it apart from its predecessor. It initially inherited the turbocharged engine from the Mulsanne Turbo and also sported a retuned suspension and wider tires on alloy wheels, a first for a Bentley. From the 1987 model year (20, 000 series chassis numbers), however, the Turbo R's V8 engine was retuned with fuel injection for added torque. The suspension changes, though seemingly subtle, transformed the soft and less than well-controlled ride of the Mulsanne Turbo into that of a real performer. Development on improving handling had already begun when Mike Dunn was appointed engineering director in Crewe in February 1983, but instead of the proposed 10% increase in roll stiffness, he demanded 50%. This goal was met by upping the anti-roll bar rates by 100% in front and 60% in the rear, and by increasing the damping. A Panhard rod to anchor the rear sub-frame was also introduced, reducing side-to-side movement in corners. Spring rates remained the same as on the Mulsanne.
Although official figures were never provided the estimated power output was 296 bhp with 660 N·m / 486. 8 lb·ft of torque.
Finished in racing green with parchment hide, this particular Turbo R was sold to its first owner in Nov 1987 by Jack Barclay. In 1995 it was sold to two brothers, who have kept it as part of their collection. The engine was removed from the car with 97, 000 miles on it and fully rebuilt. The car has now covered 119, 000 miles.
It was put in storage in 2012, and only recently removed to recommission and sell:
- Full service inc all fluids and filters, spark plugs, gearbox oil, diff oil, brake fluid
- All alloys refurbished
- Front end resprayed
- MOT
- Professionally detailed
Having driven the car, our honest appraisal is as follows:
Positives:
- Recent full service means the drive is faultless
- Recent work to the body and alloys means the car presents very very well
- No rust
- Invoices for tens of thousands of pounds of work (Engine & suspension rebuild etc)
Negatives:
- Leather would benefit from re-connalising
- Wood would benefit from restoration
- Drivers seat electrics not working
Please contact us to arrange a test drive.
