Bentley Turbo R

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1982, the Bentley Mulsanne Turbo marked the return of the legendary 'Blower Bentley' and restored the high performance image of the marque with its prodigious power. Fitted with a Garrett AiResearch turbocharger, the venerable 6.75-litre V8 now pumped out 300bhp and could propel the Bentley's considerable bulk to 60mph in less than 8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 135mph.

In truth this towering performance was rather more than the chassis could handle and, in 1985, the Mulsanne platform was upgraded to Turbo R spec with stiffer damping and springing, better location for the rear subframe, more precise steering and alloy wheels with lower profile tyres. Under the bonnet, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection replaced the old Solex carbs which, combined with various other tweaks, upped engine power to 330bhp and a staggering 480lb/ft of torque – sufficient to hurl the brute to 60 in less than 7 seconds and 143mph flat out. No wonder Jeremy Clarkson likened the driving experience to "riding a brontosaurus – bareback!"

Up front, new quad headlamps gave the car a more modern look while the interior remained as sumptuous as you would expect for £100,000 with a revised dashboard that now housed a rev-counter. Few cars were – or are – better suited to fast long-distance touring.

This 1987 Turbo R has always been in regular use and has approximately 115,000 miles on the clock. Said to drive very well, it has a full Bentley service history up to 97,000 miles and has been well maintained since - apparently some £25,000 has been spent on upkeep in the last eight years and it was last serviced about 3,000 miles ago. The air conditioning has been upgraded to modern specifications and the rear wheel arches have recently been renewed. Said to “drive beautifully and go like a rocket”, it is in good condition all round, has an MOT until December, is taxed until October and comes with a very nice number plate, 100 PXB, which has previously been valued at £2,000.