1989 Bentley Turbo R – Project Profile

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Chris Pollitt

Who doesn’t like a roll of the dice? There is nothing quite like the adrenaline rush that comes from doing something a bit bonkers and a bit… out there. It could be putting it all on red, it could be asking someone out who you know you’ve got no shot with, or it could be throwing a bid down on a 1989 Bentley Turbo R that needs a little bit of love. But it’s no reserve, so it could be a bargain. And while it is indeed a bit down at heel – this is Project Profile after all – it doesn’t look like a completely lost cause. Plus, the Bentley Turbo R was and still is a very special car, one that many would argue is responsible for turning the tides of Bentley as a whole. Which is fitting, given it’s as big as an ocean liner. Tides, ocean liner, yeah? Never mind, moving on. 

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What is it?

What we have here is twenty-nine tonnes of pure British bulldog. And some rust. It’s a 1989 Bentley Turbo R though, the car of choice for the well to do with an insatiable need for speed. This was the car that showed the world just how well a big car could perform. Based on the Mulsanne Turbo, the Turbo R was tighter, stiffer and more composed thanks to beefier suspension and wide alloys with sticky rubber (the first time Bentley used alloys, apparently). With around 320bhp on tap (Bentley never actually disclosed the figure) from the Garrett-fed 6.75-litre V8 wasn’t shy. Early cars we, like the Mulsanne, carb-fed. However, in 1986 this was changed for Bosch MK-Motronic fuel injection. This gave it more torque, which is handy when you need to shunt something this big down the road. It also got ABS for the opposite reason. In 1988, the Turbo R got the quad headlamps, as seen here, making it look even meaner. 

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It was and still is an outstanding performer. One that enthusiasts and collectors alike are keen to get their hands on. The normal Bentley saloons of the period are common finds in the project car world, normally bought by flat-roofed pub landlords that can’t afford to run them, and those cars aren’t – despite being Bentleys – really special enough to save. The Turbo R, however, is. It’s going to be a big project, and you’ll need some funds in reserve, but trust us, when it’s done it will be worth the effort.  

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Why is it a project? 

There are many reasons. It’s not been started for years, but the seller assures us that it never failed or stopped working. It’s just been left undisturbed for a while. This will of course require some investigation. Don’t worry too much though; the 6.75-litre V8 is a big lump, but it’s not a stressed one, and with only 102k on the clock this one will have had an easy life. The turbo will need inspecting first though, just to be on the safe side. There is no battery on the car, so there’s no indication – both literally and figuratively – how well the electrics work. The suspension, which can be an issue. It’s a high-pressure hydraulic system, shared with the brakes. This Turbo R has dropped at the back, so something is awry. However, replacement stuff is available, so it’s not a deal-breaker. 

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The interior looks to be in really good condition all things considered. Some of the carpet has been removed (it’s in the boot), but even that looks good. The door cards, the dash, the seats, they all look excellent. Even if some reassembly is required. As for the exterior, it’s a bit battered, bless it. It’s come to blows with something on the offside front, so now the headlights on that side are looking down. There is some rust coming through on the wings, and the sills look like they need some attention. But none of it looks terminal. And these old Turbo R models are made of thick tin, so welding them back up is simple enough. 

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What should you look for? 

This 1989 Bentley Turbo R is currently listed on Car & Classic Auctions, so we have done all the hard work for you, photographing it inside, outside and even underneath. All in glorious high resolution, so have a good, long look through the hundreds of pictures and see what you make of it. And of course, be sure to read the detailed description. You can find the listing here

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What should you do with it?

It would be easy to be intimidated by a Bentley Turbo R. It’s a big, luxury car that must be complicated and expensive to work on, right? Well, no. The suspension and brakes can need specialist help, but everything else is basic nuts and bolts stuff. It’s a hand-built car, so you can work on it with your hands, too. And don’t be too scared of prices for parts. Sure, you’re not getting bits for Fiesta money, but there are plenty of specialists and breakers out there who will be happy so sell you parts, new or used. It’s a big business. Basically, a Turbo R isn’t the scary project you think it is, especially if you can do a lot of the grunt work yourself. And being no reserve, this one could be a proper bargain, too. Imagine it, all shiny and restored, sitting on your drive way. Lovely. 

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