Highlights

Huge number of invoices and spending into the tens of thousands
Improved MK-Motronic fuel injection version
Solid and well-presented throughout

The Appeal

Exclusivity has always been a byword for Bentley, appealing to those associated with wealth but a fine taste in motor cars. The Turbo R, an evolution of the Mulsanne Turbo, carried over the tradition of drawing room comfort with astonishing power. Debuting in 1985, later versions were characterised by their improved fuel injection systems, revised suspension and some appealing visual improvements. Every inch a driver's car, the transformation of placing the Bentley brand again as a sporting marque began with the Turbo R.

As befitting for a car often driven by the well-heeled, one would expect a copious amount of spending and this 1989 example lives up to this expectation. With around £34,500 worth of invoices, mostly related to maintenance, servicing and cosmetics, there’s no suggestion of cutting corners here. These sumptuous and decadent cars are not overtly complex, and with specialists on hand, they can be maintained without too much pain.

The History and Paperwork

First registered by HR Owen in April 1989
Full complement of Bentley manuals and original warranty document
£34,500 worth of old receipts
Service book stamped to 112,294
Just four keepers in 33 years – one for 28 years
Genuine mileage
Old MOTs, tax discs and Bentley owners club membership
Over 150 historical invoices
Current MOT until April 2023
V5c present
Two keys

The Interior

The cabin is in excellent condition
Cream headlining unmarked
A clean and tidy boot
Burr walnut veneered dashboard and door cappings in good condition
Original Bentley tool kit
All interior functions, including electric seat controls work
Sumptuous cream leather seats showing light signs of use
Front carpets display a little wear

The Exterior

Balmoral Green finish shows a handful of minor marks but overall is very presentable
One-piece air dam with twin circular headlamp model
Structurally positive with good exterior panel fit and gaps
Reportedly free from corrosion
All trim appears to be correct, present and in good order
Small dent on the front grille surround
Slight bubbling on the rear offside passenger door
Minor scuffs on the rear bumper rubber
Turbo alloy wheels show minor signs of age on rear
Front Avon Turbospeed tyres are legal but low on tread

The Mechanics

High-performance 6.75-litre Turbo V8 engine
High-pressure hydraulics power brakes and self-levelling suspension are said to work well
Slick three-speed GM gearbox
The owner informs us that it starts, runs and stops as it should, idles well with no interruptions
Thousands spent on maintenance and servicing over the last 20 years
Regular health checks by Rolls Royce specialist

Summary

The huge number of invoices will add plenty of confidence to the mechanical hardiness of this well-looked-after example. The car had been consistently used and enjoyed over the years and clearly has many more miles to offer. Its brutal yet controllable power doesn’t need to be used every time you drive it, but it's always a special experience to witness the spectacle of 2.5 tonnes of British metal move so briskly in lavish surroundings. A great luxury classic choice, the Bentley Turbo R’s are temptingly obtainable these days and like all appreciating assets, one should buy sooner rather than later.

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