Bentley Turbo R

History

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. 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 particular car was first registered in February 1990 and has covered just 76,500 miles from new with a full service history –  the last of the 16 services to date being carried out just over 2,000 miles ago. Still with all its original handbooks it also benefits from electric heated seats, air conditioning and an electric sliding steel sunroof. The interior is in particularly fine condition with acres of supple leather covering every surface including the headlining. With an MOT until July 2008, the car is said to need nothing and to drive superbly. Where else could you find such monumental pace and grace at such a bargain price?