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.

First registered in January 1989, this particular car has had just three owners from new and has covered a mere 47,000 miles to date. Looking most sporting in red with a cream hide interior piped in red and piano black woodwork, it also has privacy glass, satnav, and a DVD system with screens in the backs of the front seat headrests. New front brake discs and pads have recently been fitted. Complete with all its original handbooks and a good service history, it is currently taxed and MOTd and looks a most tempting prospect at the modest guide price suggested today.