1990 | Bentley Turbo R

An absolute darling of a Turbo R, and we have had them from day one – probably more than most too.

1990 is one of the best years, where the quality of build was at its best, before cost-cutting during and after the recession in 1991. The engine was already very powerful and torquey, but not yet overstretched in the search for higher power outputs. Later Turbos with over 365bhp suffer head gasket issues, which is why we especially prize these earlier, sufficiently updated variants.

This particular car was originally specified for its first owner with a level of attention to detail that sets it into a class of its own. At the same time as ordering this, she (the first owner) ordered a new Corniche DHC too – well you would, wouldn't you! – and both cars were lavished with bespoke touches.

The Turbo R was finished to Rolls-Royce style specification, with comfort seats, opening front passenger armrest, passenger footwell fire extinguisher, opening rear seat armrest, rear picnic tables, cocktail requisites (naturally for those tables...), rear quarter badges, dark green leather top roll, tan knee roll, and tan headlining. Having evidently stayed at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, the owner ordered the bodywork and interior to precisely match the colours of that esteemed establishment.

She still retains her original lambswool over-rugs (in mint condition), rear vanity mirrors, electric door mirrors, one-touch windows, and ice-cold air conditioning (recently re-gassed). Add to that the ground-covering capabilities of these heroic gentleman's clubs on wheels – 0–60 in 6.5 seconds and a cruising gait of well over 100mph – and you have a truly formidable machine.

The car presents beautifully today, having covered just 37,000 miles from new. The interior remains almost unmarked, and crucially, she has been kept entirely original – no oversized wheels, no intrusive exhausts, just as Crewe intended. All original handbooks, service books, and complete toolkits (large and small) accompany her.

In more recent hands, the Turbo R has been enjoyed on some marvellous outings, including the Le-Mans Classic, the Goodwood Members' Meeting, and the Goodwood Revival. Over the last three years, she has been carefully maintained by marque specialists Frank Dale, with invoices exceeding £8,000, ensuring she now wants for nothing at all.

A most unusual and magnificent example – we cannot overstate how wonderful she is