1997 Bentley Turbo RT

The Bentley Turbo R was a high-performance model produced by Bentley Motors Limited from 1985 to 1997. The "R" stood for "road holding", to set it apart from its predecessor, the square headlight Mulsanne Turbo. It initially inherited the turbocharged engine from the Mulsanne Turbo and also sported retuned suspension and wider tires on alloy wheels, a first for a Bentley. From 1987, however, the Turbo R's V8 engine was fitted with fuel injection for added torque. Motor Trend called the Turbo R "the first Bentley in decades deserving of the famous name" in their review of the car on its introduction to the United States in 1989, with car enthusiast Jay Leno first in the queue.

It is quite hard for this consignor to describe driving a Turbo R. The engine is so quiet, the ride so smooth and the acres of leather and wood lulls you into a sense of security. You look down to find, to your alarm, that you are travelling at twice the speed you thought you were. The acceleration, with virtually no turbo lag, is almost linear, yet rear seat passengers continue to enjoy a 'magic carpet', ride.

The Bentley Turbo RT was the last, rarest, most powerful and most expensive of the Turbo R line and was fitted with the 400 bhp (298 kW; 406 PS) twin-turbo 6.75 L V8 engine from the two-door Continental T. Performance was 'more than adequate' with a top speed limited to 150 mph. It is visually differentiated from other Bentley Turbo R models by its sports wheels, radiator mesh grille and colour-coded bumpers with bright mesh inserts. The ultra-luxurious Turbo RT was built between 1997 and 1998, with just 252 cars produced prior to the introduction of the Arnage.

This lovely example was registered, on the 24th July 1998, to a member of the Diplomatic Service through main dealer Jack Barclay of Mayfair. The car was originally supplied with various special order Mulliner extras, including chrome headlight surrounds and door sill plates, which it still retains. The history boasts main dealer receipts and a number of respected specialists with the most recent invoice for both cylinder head gaskets to be replaced and an accompanying receipt on file for £6,000. Bought by our vendor from Cheshire Classic Cars in March 2015 after a lengthy search on the recommendation of Martin Chisholm Collector Cars. The car presents wonderfully with a suitably regal but modern colour combination of Ocean Mica Metallic with a Magnolia leather interior. Showing some 47,300 miles this special Bentley will be presented to auction with a new MOT and freshly serviced.