1992 Bentley Turbo R Special Order....

The Bentley Turbo R was based on the Mulsanne chassis, however, the Turbo R was built to be a high performance car. Like its predecessor this Bentley had a turbo charged engine, however it was highly tuned in comparison to the Mulsanne. With Bosch fuel injection to increase torque levels, uprated suspension, anti-roll bars and superior dampers, the Bentley Turbo was surprisingly nimble in the bends for a car of its size. Using a 6750cc V8 capable of 135mph the Bentley Turbo R was a real performer in a straight line too. Although the addition of alloy wheels, a first for Bentley, had some enthusiasts and owners clubs thinking the car was slightly too flamboyant. However rave reviews in the press helped dealers move the Turbo R in relatively substantial numbers - one report by Motor Trend described it as "The first Bentley in decades deserving of the famous name".

Released in 1985 the Turbo R was a clear indication that the manufacturer intended to be at the leading edge of the fashionable sports car market. Sales were high enough for production of the Mulsanne to cease, despite the initial intention being for both cars to be produced in alongside each other. Indeed, the Turbo R went on to be one of the best-ever selling cars that either Rolls-Royce or Bentley had built. A slight face-lift of the Turbo went ahead in 1989, with the most noticeable changes being the replacement of the two large square front head-lamps with quad round head-lamps giving the car a more sporty and individual look. It was eventually replaced in 1997 by the Bentley Turbo RT, by then a total of 7,230 Turbo R's had been sold.

This particular Turbo R was a special order vehicle from the Crewe factory that was delivered in January 1991 to Appleyards of Ripon, the local Rolls-Royce & Bentley main agent for the Leeds area. A copy of the original factory build sheet outlining this car's specification is included with the car and shows its unusual order for Whitely & Green black corded cloth interior and Rosewood veneer with cross banding. It was subsequently sent to coachbuilders Mulliner Park Ward where it was fitted with a metal sunroof, veneer door panels and a fire extinguisher was installed in the boot.

We estimate that 943 DNN has a very unusual story to tell in that it has a recorded mileage of just 32,500 miles, but it has probably travelled further by sea freight than it has ever journeyed on dry land. Supposedly it was originally destined for Brunei, then the history picks it up with the car imported into Japan as a Japanese log book is amongst the documents. In the year 2000, the car was sold at auction in Japan whereupon it was bought by a gentleman in Australia. From Australia, the car was repatriated back to the UK in 2002 and has subsequently had 4 registered keepers here. There are eight MoT test certificates with the oldest one dating back to 2003 which indicated a mileage then of just of 20,795.

Included in the history file are service and maintenance bills dating from 2003 to 2012 with the last service being carried out in August 2012 by Prestige Vehicle Services (PVS) of Blackburn They changed the oil and filter, also the gearbox and rear axle oil was changed, they stripped down and cleaned of all brakes, fitted new front disc pads, two new suspension spheres, a new driver's seat motor and an exhaust bracket fixing. Finally the underside was "Waxoyled' and the car road tested before passing its MoT. PVS reported everything was in A1 condition with no recorded faults.

During our short test drive the car performed very well delivering power when you want it and making an occasion of the most innocuous journey. Finished in Graphite Grey and offered with personal license plate and the later style alloy wheels, this stately Bentley represents attractive value for money.