In the 1960s and ’70s Bentley existed largely as a “Rolls-Royce with no hood ornament” before RR honored Bentley’s racing roots with the Mulsanne Turbo in 1982. The Bentley Turbo R continues that spirit, a powerful and luxurious super-cruiser for heads of state, captains of industry, and diplomats. This 1991 Bentley Turbo R in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada (near Vancouver) shows minimal wear after a claimed 100,000 miles. Thanks to reader Rocco B. for spotting this sporty British turbo.
Bosch fuel injection joined the party in 1986, topping the boosted 6.75L (412 cid) V8. Commoners shamelessly compare numbers like horsepower and torque, but Rolls-Royce and Bentley often stated theirs as “adequate.” The seller estimates 500+ lb-ft of torque on tap, more than enough to merge the portly R into modern traffic or away from would-be assassins. “Eat my dust, cheeky devils!”
Whether the driver is your employee or yourself, the Bentley’s rear cabin offers you or your passengers a respite from the burdens of policy decisions, market strategies, or the details of a prisoner exchange. Alternatively, there’s no better place to further those tasks while hurtling toward your next appointment.
Bentley’s tailored finishes and switch gear elegantly blend tech and luxury during a time when some high-end cars confounded drivers with grids of rectangular buttons. How many cars offer two horn volumes? The polite option, “Excuse me, madame; the light has changed to green,” or the louder option, “Mind your lane, stupid git!”
The “R” in Turbo R stands for “Roadholding” according to Wikipedia, a calling answered with more zeal that you might imagine as engineers reduced body roll by half compared to the Rolls-Royce equivalent. Spring rates remained the same to keep occupants comfortable and your tea politely in its cup. Check out more details and excellent photographs here on Craigslist. The $12,800 asking price (presumably Canadian) reflects the narrow demand for computerized ultra high-end sedans. A finer specimen would be hard to find, but the Bentley’s first owner likely considered it fully amortized before its tenth oil change, and you could spend half that amount annually whispering through the car’s second 100,000 miles. Would you spend used Corolla money on this well-kept Bentley?
Looking at a car like that is all I could afford to do, owning it? You better lock me up because I’m crazy….lol
This is a beautiful car. In the late 80’s, a customer drove a blue one to the frozen yogurt store where I worked. They’d park the car crooked right at the front door. It was HUGE. “Blockbuster Video” logo plate on the front, Florida plate out back. It must be about as long as a Suburban, and hard to park straight head first. Cost of ownership must be an enormous factor to operating these cars, because $12,800 – Canadian, even – seems low for this car in such nice condition. Vivid contrast to the ‘59 VW Beetle is listed for $19,000 just a few articles back. Not exactly comparable motoring experiences, I suspect.
I saw that word Canadian and all I could think of was the Bentley Mulsannes in the Scandinavian countries each sporting Canadian flags mounted on either front fender of each car. These were the only Ambassadors’ cars mounted with flags that I saw while travelling there. Saw one each in Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; Oslo, Norway and Copenhagen, Denmark.
All I thought at the time why the arrogance? Why only Canada? It actually renewed my confidence in leaving Canada for good.
These cars are awesome! The Turbo R was the world’s fastest sedan, and it cost close to a quarter million dollars when new. People get hung up on the brake/rear suspension system, but it’s similar to that used on Citroens, and no one complains about those. The engine is bulletproof, and parts are available through Flying Spares. I badly want one!
Well…here’s your opportunity.
Jesse – check out the reliability of the Lucas electrical system on these cars before you commit financial suicide. I love Bentleys, I have owned over 300 spaning a nearly 40 year period, but I only have the older six-cylinder cars – very reliable, about as complex as an anvil and just as robust. While there is quite a bit of proven Citroen technology in these cars, another weakness is head gaskets – and what a job that must be. The asking price is just a downpayment . . .
When ever I come across a luxury liner with the Brit badge, being a mechanic and custom car builder, I expect to see the usual exaggerated price tag. This one is actually a relief and even tempting. But I need another car like I need a hole in the head. plus the endless Rolls digs and jokes would be more than I could take at my age!
Al Heartbreaker – I’m only 71, what endless jokes and digs will be more than I can take when I get old? The only one I’m aware of involves that silly mustard . . .
K-Jetronic fuel injection. If it’s good enough for a Volkswagen Rabbit…
I don’t have the money now or in the future but I find this beast appealing!