Bentley Turbo R Price Guide

The Turbo R was the car that saved Bentley. When it arrived in 1985, the marque had been reduced to a rebadging exercise on Rolls-Royce products. The Turbo R’s combination of turbocharged muscle, revised suspension, and genuine dynamic ambition reconnected Bentley with the performance tradition that had defined the marque in the 1920s. This single model gave it a reason to exist independently of Rolls-Royce.

The Car

Produced from 1985 to 1997, the Turbo R evolved from the Mulsanne Turbo of 1982 with firmer suspension settings developed by chassis engineer John Miles that transformed the car’s handling without compromising its ride. The 6,750cc turbocharged V8 was progressively developed over the production run, reaching around 385bhp by the final cars. The Turbo RT of 1996 added fuel injection, the T-bar floor selector, and further power. Around 7,000 Turbo Rs were built across the production run.

What Goes Wrong

The hydraulic system (shared with the T Series and early Mulsanne) requires careful attention. Leaking jacks, failing high-pressure accumulators, and deteriorating fluid lines are the standard concerns on high-mileage examples. The turbocharged V8 must have its oil changed at the correct intervals; extended changes damage the turbo bearings. The Turbo RT fuel injection system is more reliable than the earlier SU carburettor setup but needs specialist diagnostics. Rust attacks the sills and the area around the front suspension mounts.

Buying

The Turbo RT is the pick of the range; fuel injection, more power, and a more sorted chassis than early cars. Low-mileage examples are preferable to high-mileage, cheap alternatives: the cost of a major hydraulic or mechanical restoration exceeds the price differential many times over. Bentley‘s heritage support and the established Bentley specialist network are comprehensive.