Highlights
- One of only 60 made, only 29 of which were RHD
- Amazing file of paperwork
- Fabulous condition inside and out
The Appeal
With the new Arnage in the pipeline, Bentley wanted to do something special to see out the Turbo R model. The Turbo S was offered only in selected European, Asian and Middle Eastern markets, in 1995, and Crewe factory records show that only sixty examples were made (although some of the remaining engines were used in twelve Bentley Continentals, and in three special-build Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit S models).
The engine is a Bosch Motronic fuel injection and digital ignition derived from Formula 1 technology, and had a larger exhaust-driven Garrett AirResearch turbocharger with intercooler. The engine plate on this example shows that it’s no. ‘52 of 75’, this number referring to the total engines made rather than the 60 Turbo S cars that left the factory – only 29 of which were right-hand drive.
The History and Paperwork
- Every invoice from throughout the car’s life
- Original owner’s manual
- Original Turbo S supplement
- Radio manual
- Current V5
- MoT until July 2023
- ‘Global overhaul’ in 2018, with invoice for £32k
M 111 BTS comes with a remarkable folder of paperwork that includes every invoice dating right back through the car’s life. (Those from 1995-2002 are photocopies of the originals.) The vendor purchased the car in 2008, and has clearly looked after it, particularly in recent years, on a ‘no-expense spared’ basis. Of particular note is an invoice for a ‘global overhaul’ in 2018, at renowned specialists Phantom Motors in Crondall, Hampshire, for a total of more than £32,000.
The vendor has reluctantly decided to part with the car as he is no longer able to enjoy it as he once did. It’s being sold by Phantom Motors on the vendor’s behalf, and although the current MoT expires in July 2023 they will ensure that it has a new MoT before sale.
Note also that the numberplate M 111 BTS will remain with the car.
The Interior
- Sandstone hide sports-style seats
- Electrically adjustable, heated front seats with memory settings
- Grab-handles to both front seats
- Fluted hide front and rear door panels
- Opening rear-seat armrest
- Sandstone hide centre-console and stowage bin
- Sandstone hide head lining
- ‘Conifer’ lambswool rugs
- Black hide-trimmed steering wheel
- Dark-stained walnut wood trim
- Rear footrests
- Air conditioning
- Integral telephone in rear armrest
- Passenger side airbag
- Original tool kit, all present
- Immaculate spare wheel
The Turbo S came with a high-quality interior specification, all of which is evident here. It’s clear that the car has been cherished by successive owners, and this is particularly apparent in the interior. The seats, carpets, door cards, dashboard and centre-console are all in extremely good condition. The lambswool rugs are all present and in very good condition, as are the two footrests in the rear footwells.
Especially notable are the smart dark-stained walnut door trims with the ‘B’ Bentley logo inlaid. The stereo head unit is a replacement that looks like the original Blaupunkt, but is upgraded with DAB radio and Bluetooth. In the boot are the original toolkit, complete with tools and replacement bulbs, plus the original jack, warning triangle and wheelbrace, and a spare wheel that looks not to have been used.
The Exterior
- British racing green paintwork
- ‘Sandstone’ pinstripe
- Immaculate wheels
- Excellent badges and brightwork
- Tyres have plenty of tread
As with the interior, the car’s exterior attests to its lifetime of care. The paintwork is in remarkably good condition, with only two very minor rust bubbles – one beneath the rear screen and one on the nearside rear wheelarch. There are the inevitable small stone chips on the front of the car, and a few minor scuffs on the boot lid. All four wheels are in first-class condition, with no damage or corrosion, and all four Michelin tyres have good tread. The smart red badges are all in excellent condition, as is the distinctive front grille.
The Mechanics
- 6.75-litre V8 engine
- Garrett AirResearch turbocharger with liquid-cooled intercooler.
- Bosch 3.1 Motronic fuel injection
- GM 4L80-E four-speed auto ‘box
- Clean and tidy engine bay
- Starts and runs beautifully
Faster, sportier and more exclusive than its Turbo R cousin, the Turbo S more than justified its limited-edition status, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of just 6.1 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. The paperwork tells the story here – the car has been comprehensively, and expensively, maintained by specialists Phantom Motors for some years and as a consequence, we are assured, drives as it would have when new. In 2018 the global overhaul addressed every single outstanding issue with the car, and later the same year the propshaft and head gasket were replaced. All this and other works are detailed in the numerous invoices.
Summary
One of only 29 right-hand drive Turbo S models, this is a rare beast indeed. It comes with the reassurance of a lifetime of diligent care and maintenance, with all the paperwork to prove it.
As a prestige luxury car with modern-classic status, it can have few equals.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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