Lot 079: 1988 BENTLEY TURBO R

An evolution of the established Mulsanne Turbo, the Bentley Turbo R was introduced at the March 1985 Geneva Motor Show. Visually distinguished by its front air dam and alloy wheels (a marque first), the newcomer further benefited from stiffer anti-roll bars, recalibrated shock absorbers and sharper steering. Easier and more enjoyable to drive quickly, its superior dynamics sounded the death knell for the older car. Although, Bentley was coy about releasing specific outputs, other sources suggested that the Turbo R's force-fed 6.75 litre OHV V8 developed some 320bhp and 455lbft of torque. Equipped with three-speed automatic transmission as standard, the four-door super saloon was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in under seven seconds and 135mph. Trimmed with the same skill and attention to detail as any other Crewe built car, its cabin was adorned with thick leather hides, rich wood veneers, polished chrome fittings and plush carpets. Upgraded with Bosch Motronic fuel injection and ABS brakes during 1986, the model was further reworked for the 1989-model year gaining quad headlamps and an increased 145mph top speed. Finished in Royal Blue with magnolia leather upholstery (piped in blue), this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis and bodywork (while, he rates the paintwork and wheels / tyres as "very good"). Reportedly a "1989-model year car" that has had just "three owners from new", the Bentley is believed but not warranted to have covered a mere 55,000 miles. Sporting "a navy dashboard top, magnolia knee roll, immaculate wood cappings, full leather headlining and dark blue carpets", recent expenditure has apparently seen it "fitted with new front springs". Understood to have been "well maintained throughout" and to retain "a copy of its original ninety three page factory build history", the Turbo R also boasts "a 'flying B' mascot, private 'B8 TBR' number plate and Sony head unit / CD multi-changer". Reluctantly offered for sale in an attempt to liberate garage space, it is accompanied by MOT certificate valid until August 2008 and road tax valid until March 2008.