HISTORY
When cash-strapped Rolls Royce had to revive its languishing Bentley brand on its 20 year old pushrod V8 and three speed GM auto, it added a Garrett turbo like everyone else.
The first 1982 Mulsanne Turbo with carburettor was an unusual blend of mush and grunt which was acceptable if you needed your top-end luxury with extra lift from the lights but it became a much more cohesive driver's package in 1985 when it was heavily revised and rebadged as the Turbo R (Roadholding).
The dramatic sales turnaround funded a much better 230kW Turbo R with EFI for first official local sales from October 1989 after earlier models sold to special order. Long wheelbase RL ended in late 1996 as long wheelbase Turbo R became sole model until mid-1997 withdrawal.
WHY WOULD YOU BUY ONE?
The Bentley Turbo R really is a stand alone vehicle with its hand-finished premium luxury appointments and muscle car performance. Considering that it is more comfortable than most lounge rooms and is almost as roomy, it also handles and brakes better than it has any right to! Despite some high maintenance costs which are not that high relative to its $500,000 replacement cost, it can actually cost much less to run than several of its premium European rivals.
In the Bentley's case, the biggest risk is buying a beautifully presented example that is hiding serious deterioration from adverse climate conditions or poor servicing before coming to Australia as a grey import. Yet some imports kept in dehumidified garages can be as good as the local cars which are usually outstanding when their owners have so much invested in them.
PRICES
Special 1995 Turbo S version topped $500,000 new but risky grey imports corrupt Turbo R values to well below $100,000 for first local deliveries. Earlier imports can be found for as low as $60,000 but require extensive specialist inspection.
CHECK IT OUT
Quad headlights came with 1989 UK Active ride but retro-fit headlight kit fits stock Mulsanne so don't rely on them for ID. Revised front styling late in 1992 as GM three-speed column auto went to T-bar four-speed and 235kW. Power boosted again to 265kW in late 1993. Early 1995 Turbo S had intercooler and 300kW but few sold here. Lower front and one-piece front door glass from August 1995. Final late 1996 upgrade had intercooled 286kW, 17-inch wheels and brake upgrade.
Extra thermal loads generate earlier hose and manifold gasket replacement but it's worth it when they still last longer than your average car.
Engine must have annual special coolant change to protect seals between alloy block and iron wet liners. Failed liner seals mix oil and coolant internally then block the cooling system critical to containing Turbo heat. Loud piston slap and tapping sound can indicate $20,000 overhaul bill depending on damage. This is only a worry if someone has skipped the servicing.
Hydraulic suspension and brake circuit requires special fluid and generates $10,000 repair bills if wrong fluid is used. Active ride upgrade for 1990 boosts parts costs by a factor of three for some items. Pre-Active ride suspension benefits from high quality and serviceable aftermarket dampers. Suspension bushes are vulnerable to engine oil leaks. Again, none of this should be a worry with cars serviced by the book.
Brake rotors are $700 each with rears generating big labour bills but they do last. The correct Avon tyres are not cheap but there are good alternatives.
Older cars may need $600 front ball joints plus hundreds in labour to replace them. Leaks in rack and pinion steering can cost up to $2000. Post-1993 steering was firmed-up in feel.
Failed front and rear screen seals and heater cores can dribble water behind trim unseen and rot out floors on even the best cars. Check from inside. Early headlining discoloured unless the hide option was fitted. Later choice of 15 headlinings were mostly high quality vinyl plus the hide option.
A big part of the car's appeal is the beautiful paint finish and magnificent interior. If either are compromised, then what's the point? Early paint is soft, later paint is harder. The wrong paint can generate paint reaction and require a full stripdown to restore the original finish.
Tail light sections cost $2000 each. Damaged wood panelling requires ultra-fine preparation and UV-proof coating. Lavish leather trim must have ongoing approved hide conditioner to avoid huge replacement cost.
Thanks to McDermott's Workshop (03) 9362 0291