About the Bentley Turbo R
Launched in 1985, the Turbo R was Bentley's answer to demands for a more driver-focused luxury car. The 'R' stood for 'roadholding', reflecting significant suspension improvements over the standard Mulsanne Turbo. Powered by a 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 engine producing around 300bhp (later models reached 400bhp), the Turbo R could achieve 0-60mph in under 7 seconds despite weighing over two tonnes.
Production ran through several iterations, with the final cars rolling off the line in 1999. The model evolved considerably during its 14-year production run, with later examples featuring fuel injection, better electronics, and improved build quality. The Turbo R established Bentley as a serious performance brand and paved the way for modern models like the Continental GT.
What Affects the Price
Service history is paramount when valuing a Turbo R. Cars with complete records from Bentley specialists command significant premiums, often £20,000-£30,000 more than those with patchy documentation. The turbocharged V8 requires regular maintenance, and deferred servicing can lead to catastrophic and expensive failures.
Model year significantly impacts value. Pre-1991 cars with carburettors are generally less desirable and cheaper. The 1994-1997 models with fuel injection are considered the sweet spot, combining improved reliability with classic styling. Final year 1999 examples are rare and command top prices when well-maintained.
Mileage matters less than condition. A high-mileage car with full history will often be worth more than a low-mileage example that has been neglected. Originality is prized by collectors, with unmodified cars in factory colours achieving stronger prices than heavily customised examples. Rust in the sills, wheelarches, and bootlid can be extremely costly to repair and will significantly depress values.
Buying Tips
Insist on a pre-purchase inspection by a Bentley specialist. The cost of £300-£500 is negligible compared to potential repair bills that can easily exceed £10,000. Pay particular attention to the condition of the turbochargers, which can cost £3,000-£5,000 to replace, and the suspension components, which wear rapidly.
Check all electrical systems thoroughly. Window regulators, air conditioning, and the hydraulic systems for seats and boot closure are common failure points. Replacement parts from Bentley are expensive, though many owners use specialist independent suppliers to reduce costs.
Budget at least £3,000-£5,000 annually for maintenance, even if nothing goes wrong. Service intervals should not be extended beyond manufacturer recommendations. Join an owners' club to access specialist knowledge and recommended independent specialists who can maintain these cars to high standards at more reasonable costs than main dealers.