1997 Bentley Turbo RT

Please note the brakes are inoperative on the car.

The Bentley Turbo R was a high-performance model produced by Bentley Motors from 1985 to 1997 with the 'R' apparently standing for "road holding", to set it apart from its predecessor, the square-headlight Mulsanne Turbo. It initially inherited the turbocharged engine from the Mulsanne Turbo and also sported retuned suspension and wider tyres on alloy wheels, a first for a Bentley. From 1987, however the Turbo R's V8 engine was fitted with fuel injection for added torque. The Turbo RT was the last, rarest, most powerful and most expensive of the Turbo R line (apart from the Mulliner Editions and a few Olympians) and was fitted with the 400bhp, 590lb/ft, twin-turbo, 6.75-litre V8 engine from the two-door Continental T. Performance was 'more than adequate' with the top speed limited to 150mph. The RT models were fitted with an active-ride suspension system, 'easy-entry' tilt steering wheel, and their longevity benefited from a galvanised zinc coating on the underside.

All apart from seven Mulliners were built on the longer 212'' wheelbase and they were visually differentiated from other Bentley Turbo R models by their ‘sports’ wheels, radiator mesh grille, and colour-coded bumpers with bright mesh inserts. The ultra-luxurious Turbo RT was built between 1997 and 1998, with just 252 cars produced prior to the introduction of the Arnage.

Originally registered R680 CTX, this smart Turbo RT was finished in Black Garnet with Silverstone leather and handed over to its first proud owner on 1st October 1997. The car continues to present really well and the Black Garnet paintwork, a rather subtle shade of very dark metallic purple, retains a deep shine. The interior is trimmed in blue/grey Silverstone leather piped in navy blue to match the roll-top and the lambswool over rugs and the Burr Walnut veneers appear to be in good condition. All rather delightful.

In addition to an immaculate Owner’s Handbook in its green leather sleeve, the car is accompanied by a handbook for the Motorola cellular phone that remains fitted and an original Bentley ‘Sound System Demonstration Tape’ for the cassette player. The car’s service history is detailed in the original Service Handbook which displays 15 service stamps with the most recent on 26th March 2010 at 36,781miles. Carried out by Broughtons of Cheltenham, it was a Number 2 Service with additional work and the invoice (in the file) totalled £5,096. There are a few other invoices in the file including one dated 21st October 2008 at 32,472 miles from N. Sandell which covered work to the suspension and brakes etc. and totalled £5,482. Also, within the file, are a few old Tax Discs, some earlier MOTs (the most recent expiring on 16th July 2010) and a Bill of Sale relating to the car’s previous owner dated 19th January 2011. It was acquired by our vendor around 2015 and the current indicated mileage is 37,435.

In recent years this car has formed part of a very large collection, receiving little or no use and an element of re-commissioning is to be expected prior to returning it to the road once again. Your inspection pre-sale is welcomed and encouraged to appreciate the potential of this rare Bentley.