1993 Bentley Turbo R

Sold for $39,875 at 2013 Russo & Steele - Scottsdale.
Bentley Motors Limited produced a high-performance model named the Turbo R, with the 'R' representing 'roadholding', to set it apart from its predecessor. It inherited the turbocharged engine from the Mulsanne Turbo and rode on a retuned suspension with wider tires and alloy wheels, a first for Bentley. For 1987, the Turbo R's V8 engine was retuned with fuel injection for added torque.

Mike Dunn had been appointed engineering director in Crewe in February 1983. Upon his arrival, development on improving handling had begun. Instead of the proposed 10% increase in roll stiffness, he demanded 50%. This goal was met by upping the anti-roll bar rates by 100% in front and 60% in the rear, and by increasing the damping. A Panhard rod to anchor the rear suspension was also introduced, reducing side-to-side movement in corners. Spring rates remained the same as on the Mulsanne.

This Bentley Continental Turbo R Coupe is powered by a 6.75 liter Turbo V8. When new, the price for these cars began at $268,000 and quickly rose to over $300,000 and built in very limited supplies. They took over four months to build and were in high demand.

This example is finished in Artic White and was delivered new on June 22nd of 1993. It rides on 17-inch chrome Bentley wheels and has a power trunk release. There is an upgraded stereo and speakers. The upholstery is tan hyde with an extra hyde of leather. It is fitted with Custom Seat track extenders to accommodate a tall driver.

In 2013, the car was offered for sale at the Russo & Steele auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $39,875 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013

The Bentley Turbo R was introduced at the 1985 Geneva Motor Show and produced from 1985 through 1997 with 7,230 examples produced. Shortly after the Turbo R was introduced, production of the Mulsanne Turbo ceased. The Turbo R was available in either short- or long-wheelbase form. It was a sporty vehicle, with its sport-tuned suspension, wide tires, alloy wheels, and turbo-charged engine that offered plenty of performance. After a short time of production, the engine was revised with a new Bosch MK-Motronic fuel-injection system with added additional torque. This brought horsepower and torque to around 300 hp and nearly 500 foot-pounds, unofficially.

The cost to own a Turbo R was $145,000 and eventually became one of Rolls-Royce's (the company that owned Bentley) best-selling model ever.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008