Bentley Turbo R LWB

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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, being by far the most potent Bentley yet produced.

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 7 seconds and 143mph flat out. No wonder Jeremy Clarkson dubbed it "Blenheim Palace on wheels" and likened the driving experience to "riding a brontosaurus – bareback"!

In 1995 the ‘New Turbo R’ was launched, now with Zytec digital engine management and digital ignition. Allied to an electronically controlled GM 4-speed gearbox with a sport mode that not only maximised in-gear acceleration but also stiffened the suspension, this put an even bigger fist in the velvet glove. A higher final drive ratio and more efficient fuelling gave a 10% improvement in economy while power increased by a similar amount.

There were a number of changes to the body, among them 17-inch wheels with bigger Avon tyres, body-coloured mirrors, brighter headlamps and more aggressive ‘ground effects’ aerodynamics which made the car more planted the faster it went. The inside was also improved with a tilt steering wheel, improved seats and a host of other revisions to make the cabin an even more luxurious place to be. Just 1,366 New Turbo Rs were made in total, 823 in long wheelbase, before it was replaced by the Arnage at the end of 1997, making this a rare beast indeed.

Supplied new by Reg Vardy of Houghton-le-Spring, Durham, in March 1997, this New Turbo R LWB looks spectacular in Diamond Blue Silver with a Parchment hide interior piped in blue. It has covered only 77,000 miles with an impeccable service history comprising 19 stamps to date, the last only 3,200 miles ago.

As you can probably tell from the photos, this car is in exemplary condition throughout and is also fitted with picnic tables in the rear. It rides on Turbo RT wheels shod with a matching set of the correct Avon tyres. Supplied with all its original handbooks and freshly MOTd before the sale, this magnificent motorcar turns every journey into an occasion and, dare one say it, makes one proud to feel British.

Without wishing to sound vulgar, although petrol is now cheaper than it has been for years, it may interest some bidders to note that this car recently completed a 400-mile round trip to Ascot during which it returned 18mpg; and spilled not a single drop of champagne.

If mankind has devised a more enchanting way in which to propel himself and three companions from A to B at great speed and in consummate luxury, then we have yet to hear about it. In the meantime, this will do very nicely indeed, thank you.