Highlights

A highly original and stately looking example of the long wheelbase Bentley Turbo R
A 1996 model year example with the more powerful engine and bigger wheels
Clearly a well-maintained example ready to waft away in like a VIP

The Appeal

Although the Turbo R was essentially a reworked Mulsanne Turbo the improvements to the suspension inspired American magazine Motor Trend to declare it was "the first Bentley in decades deserving of the famous name." The overly floaty Mulsanne Turbo had its roll stiffness increased by 50% for its transformation into the Turbo R. Additionally a Panhard rod was added to control side to side movement. Most testers attested to the upgrades proving transformational.

This example is one of the so called “new” Turbo Rs which are cars sold from the 1996 model year onwards. These models inherited an air to water intercooler and a new Zytec engine management system which bought power up to 385bhp and a mighty 553Ib-ft or torque. This example is presented in a fine condition and provides a fast and highly luxurious way to travel.

The History and Paperwork

This example is a so called “new Turbo R” from the 1996 MY
This means the car has more power, bigger wheels and other improvements
The car has been through the hands of 8 previous owners
The car was acquired by the current owner earlier this year
The current owner drove the car back from Wales to Leicester
He was immediately impressed by how well the car drove and performed
The car is now only being sold due to the imminent arrival of a Rolls Royce
The Turbo R comes with plenty of history and paperwork
This includes the V5 registration document in the name of the owner
The current advisory free MOT is present in hard copy
This is valid until July 12th 2023
There are a number of earlier MOTs in hard copy included
Numerous, high-value invoices document the attentive maintenance undertaken

The Interior

On opening the driver’s door, the steering wheel electrically rises to ease access
It become immediately obvious that this a highly luxurious car indeed
The copious amounts of leather are finished in a Sandstone hue
The sublime front seats are deeply bolstered for optimum support
The centre panels are stitched into horizontal box pleats
The seats are eight-way electrically adjustable
The condition of both front seats is impeccable
Each front seat also has a four-setting memory function and are electrically heated
The rear bench seat is in an equally fine condition
There is a centre, folding armrest and elasticated pockets ahead of the passengers
Centre chromed air vents are fitted between the front seats
Twin, walnut surrounded, and lit vanity mirrors are fitted in the C pillars
The burr walnut dashboard is in excellent condition
It is heavily populated with white on black gauges, switches and air vents
The stereo head unit is concealed behind a veneered flap
The centre console further contains heating and air conditioning controls
There are a number of switches and controls ahead of and behind the gear lever
The door cards are finished in padded leather, claret carpet and chromed door furniture
The carpets are in fine condition and were thought to have been replaced in 2020
The well-shaped boot is finished in the same claret carpets
A full-sized spare wheel and tools are located under the boot floor

The Exterior

This example is presented in bight looking Regal Red
The paint condition appears to be very good overall and exudes a high shine
The bodywork looks equally well presented with all panel gaps appropriately tight
The only blemished noted were around the rear Bentley badge on the boot lid
All chrome and brightwork appears to be in excellent condition
All the correct model and marque badges are present including the “flying B”
Light lenses and cabin glass all appear to be original and undamaged
The car sits on the larger 17-inch Bentley “Azure” wheels
These appear to be in a very good condition overall
A matching set of Avon Turbospeed tyres are fitted in the correct 255/55 size
The long wheelbase Turbo R in this livery makes for an eye-catching presence

The Mechanics

For the 96MY onwards the Turbo R featured a 385bhp 6.75L V8 engine
This also originally produced in excess of 500 Ib-ft of torque
Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a four speed GM 4L80-E gearbox
The under-bonnet presentation of the Turbo R is excellent
It looks original and very clean with the correct data plate in evidence
The underside of the Bentley looks straight and clean and appropriate to its age
The owner attests to the Bentley running very well and being very comfortable
This is backed up by a good record of high value maintenance
Given this the Turbo R is ready to immediately drive away and start enjoying

Summary

Building on the interest and enthusiasm awakened by the Mulsanne Turbo, the Turbo R doubled down on this by significantly improving the car’s road manners and equipping it with underpinnings that were appropriate to all that power. Like most Bentleys of this period, it always was an exclusive car, too. A mere 823 on the “new” Turbo R LWB were originally built. Somewhere around 170 of this model are thought to be in use in the UK today which will, ultimately, send values only one way.

This example is in a great colourway, first off. The Regal Red is the perfect colour for the slab sided, long wheelbase Turbo R. It looks amazing, especially in profile. The interior is hard to fault, too. It is sublimely comfortable and luxurious and is in a great, original condition. For the size of the car, it is a consummate performer, too with approaching 400 bhp under the bonnet. This car represents a highly desirable, and big, slice of mid 1990’s super saloon that represents an exciting ownership proposition.

Notice to bidders

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