For a good part of the company’s history, Bentley’s products were often little more than rebadged Rolls-Royces. That changed, however, when an executive decided that turbocharging would be just the thing to make Bentley stand out—without impacting Rolls-Royce’s bottom line.
Fast forward a few years—a few years ago before Rolls-Royce and Bentley were sold off to BMW and Volkswagen, respectively—and …
I've wanted a Turbo R since the first time I saw one. Lovely cars.
Off to Craigslist and maketplace..
In reply to Toyman01 (Moderately Supportive Dude) :
Same. I could've had one too. A friend's neighbor wanted to trade his none running turboR for my nicely running w116.
Love the Turbo R (and RL, of course.)
In reply to yupididit :
Looks like prices are up right now. $26k will get you a decent one though. This one is nice.
This 74 is awesome for $90k.
There was a Turbo RT for sale a few years ago in the next town north. I was smitten.
A few years later I got to sit in a Continental R. Aestetically I prefer it and after sitting in the back seat, it's actually a comfortable 4 seater. I love the second set of door handles in the rear.
In reply to Toyman01 (Moderately Supportive Dude) :
Damn I was def against that trade. They look like a PITA to work on. And my 450 SEL was simple. His was black with a red pinstripe. I think the interior was black too. But not running was a no-go lol
I think the Turbo R is a car worthy of a "modernization" program. Update to a modern engine management system and modern turbo and modern injectors, plus some fancy shocks. Ridiculously awesome power levels ought to be easy and reliable with 6.75 liters. And a modern transmission, too.
That would make an eviable car worthy of some magazine covers.
I never really gave this generation of Bentley much thought until I unlocked a Turbo R in Forza Horizon. It's a blast in the virtual world, so I can only imagine how much fun it is in real life.
I know some people say that keeping these sorts of cars running in decent condition is hard, but how hard is it really? Like "spend a whole day replacing a light bulb" hard, or "sawing off both my legs would be more enjoyable" hard?
In reply to Colin Wood :
It's probably less the actual 'work' to keep it running and more the 'cost' of keeping it in decent condition is whats hard, be it either parts availability or outright cost.
I just checked at work ( Napa Canada) for parts for an 1989 Turbo R model and they only parts listed under tune up are spark plugs and fuel filter, so that may be the 'hard' part overall
Watch Hoovies for why you don't want an older cheap Turbo Bent. Evidently head gaskets are a matter of when, not if. Though I am kind of intrigued about the last Green Label Arnages that had twin turbo BMW v8s, and might hold up slightly better?
I have masochist tendency's when it comes to automotive ownership purchasing choices but these cars are a no go for me to own.
Did anybody ever dyno one of the originals? Like an '89 or so? As far as I know Crewe never published any numbers. They were heavy as small icebergs but still managed decent 0-60 times. And they advertised is as having "...traveled 145 miles in one hour...". Think about that for a second. Yeah. They do AT LEAST 145.
Found this on Instagram today.
Hellcat engine in a Turbo R
Friendly plug for anyone thinking about getting one: Our friends at Bentley Zionsville/Albers have the parts and knowledge. (If you call, tell Greg that I sent you.) I've been to the shop--and the storage barn--and they have all the goodies.
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