1991 Bentley Turbo R LWB

Lot details
Registration No: M516COR
Chassis No: SCBZP03C4RCH54657
Mot Expiry: July 2011

Bentley's Turbo R was unveiled at the 1985 Geneva Motorshow. It was based on the chassis of the Mulsanne and powered by a modified version of the engine from the Mulsanne Turbo. However, the newcomer proved to be rather more than the sum of its parts, causing the respected American magazine Motor Trend to describe it as, `the first Bentley in decades deserving of the famous name'. The chassis changes were especially key to the model's success. This was to be an unashamedly sporting model, requiring tauter suspension than the Mulsanne. The front anti-roll bar rate was therefore increased by a whopping 60 per cent and that on the rear by no less than 80 per cent. Tuned dampers replaced the standard units of the Mulsanne and a Panhard rod was fitted to limit lateral movement of the back axle. The rate of the coil springs remained as per the Mulsanne. A front air dam was added for improved aerodynamics. The 6750 cc engine with Garrett AiResearch turbo was retuned with Bosch MK-Motronic fuel injection for increased torque. The result was a stump-pulling 487 lb ft - sufficient to launch the leviathan to 60 mph in under six seconds and on to a top speed of around 150 mph. Pre-1992 models drove through a three-speed automatic transmission, after which a four-speed unit was employed. Braking was by discs all round, ventilated at the front. In order to optimise traction and road holding, the Turbo R was equipped with wider tyres than the Mulsanne, which were mounted on alloy wheels - a first for the marque. The R was available with short (3,061 mm) or long (3,161 mm) wheelbase. One of the Rolls-Royce Group's best selling models, 4,653 short and 1,211 long wheelbase Turbo R's were produced between 1985 and 1995.

`M516 COR' is a long wheelbase example manufactured in 1991. It features Wildberry coachwork complemented by a magnolia leather interior. Some £5,000 was apparently invested on a service and general checkover around 18 months ago. The vendor also tells us that this handsome RHD export model was re-imported in 2001 and is fitted with a speedometer which shows some 47,000 unwarranted kilometres.