Highlights

One-off race car built for Top Gear’s Matt Le Blanc
Featured in Series 26, Episode 4 in 2019 Click HERE to view
Based on a Turbo R and professionally converted for racing
Features stripped interior, welded roll cage, race seat, front splitter and rear diffuser
Low mileage for year
Classic racing green and in good overall condition

The Appeal

This one-off Bentley race car is the result of a typically convoluted Top Gear challenge. Matt, Chris and Rory were tasked with buying a luxury saloon and turning it into a race car for less than the cost of a brand new Dacia Sandero.

Matt chose this car, a 1988 Bentley with the desirable ‘Turbo R’ performance and handling package. Looking at this magnificent beast of a Bentley, we can be grateful the Dacia salesman lost out. Featuring lowered suspension, front splitter and rear diffuser and a ‘lightweight’ stripped-out interior with a full roll cage, this big car is every inch the purposeful racer. It competed in the 750 Motor Club’s Birkett Six Hour Relay Race alongside Chris’ Mercedes 600SEL and Rory’s ‘75 Silver Shadow. With such heavy machinery, success was not a given, or actually given - the team finished 69th out of 70 entries.

None of which matters now. Here is a chance to nab a professionally race-prepared Bentley with great provenance and purposeful aesthetics. Whether you choose to take it racing or draw gasps at a track day, this is one for those who want to follow in the footsteps of the Bentley Boys. And Matt Le Blanc.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st December 1988
13 registered keepers from new
Converted for Top Gear in 2017
Raced by Matt Le Blanc at 2017 750 Motor Club Birkett Relay Race
Featured in Series 26, Episode 4
Driven by Matt Le Blanc in the race and on the show
Various photos included showing MLB with car
V5C in current keeper’s name
Last MOT expired August 2018 with 107,099 miles on test
Now showing 107,593 miles
Registered on plate F832EBV
We cannot verify that the car remains road legal due to the modifications

The Condition

Modified Turbo R in ‘racing’ mid-green in generally good overall condition
Paintwork is in fair condition with marks, scuffs and crazing to note in photos
These include scuff to boot lid and a dent to offside rear door
Bodywork presents well with some minor deterioration to rear wings and sill edges
Largely standard bodywork with obvious modifications shown in photos
Fitted with front splitter and rear diffuser and other required race modifications
Some exterior badges are missing as shown in photos
Five spoke alloy wheels in good overall condition with centre caps missing
Fitted with racing Toyo Proxes tyres in good condition
Stripped interior that retains some trim and woodwork as shown
Dashboard is largely complete including switchgear, leather top and trim
Door top veneers still present but in deteriorated condition
Fitted with welded-in roll full roll cage
Cobra Sebring Pro racing seat with fabric trim as shown
Lifeline fire and safety system plumbed in
Retains the decals and roundels from the race and filming
No notified faults with lights, electrics or switchgear
No dashboard warning lights notified by seller

The Mechanics

6,750cc turbocharged V8 engine
3spd automatic gearbox
‘R’ model with improved handling and roadholding
Little use since last MOT in 2018
We understand that the mechanicals are largely standard
Lowered suspension and other light running gear modifications for racing
No notified running or driving faults

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

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