1996 Bentley Turbo R

Based on the Mulsanne chassis, the Bentley Turbo R was built to be a serious high-performance machine and, like its predecessor, this Bentley had a turbocharged engine, however it was more highly tuned than the Mulsanne. With Bosch fuel injection increasing torque levels, uprated suspension, anti-roll bars and superior dampers, the Bentley Turbo was surprisingly nimble for a car of its size and fitted with a 6750cc V8 capable of 135mph it was a real performer in a straight line too. 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 that famous name".

Introduced in 1985, the Turbo R was a clear indication that the manufacturer intended to be at the leading edge of the fashionable performance 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 parallel. Indeed, the Turbo R went on to be one of the best-ever selling models that either Rolls-Royce or Bentley had ever 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 headlamps with quad round headlamps giving the car a more sporty and individual look. The Bentley Turbo RT eventually replaced it in 1997, and by then a total of 7,230 Turbo Rs had found homes.

Offered here is a 1996 'facelift model' Bentley Turbo R finished in Wildberry with a Sandstone interior piped and augmented in Wildberry. The usual high specification includes Wildberry Wilton carpeting piped in Sandstone, Wildberry lambswool over rugs and a 6xCD player with a remote for rear seat passengers. Originally supplied by H.R.Owen, it has only travelled 47,800 miles from new. The comprehensive service record is Bentley main dealer and a well respected Rolls-Royce specialist. The history file contains fourteen old MoTs and the current one expires in January 2017. It comes complete with all the relevant books and manuals and two spare keys.

These cars are a firm favourite with Silverstone Auctions because of the undisputed value that they represent, especially in this fantastic condition.