• Year of manufacture 
    1996
  • Car type 
    Other
  • Lot number 
    503
  • Reference number 
    169
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Exterior brand colour 
    other
  • Location
    United States
  • Exterior colour 
    Other

Description

Chassis No. SCBZR14C3TCX58086

The Turbo R was the first Bentley since 1931 to not have a direct counterpoint as a Rolls-Royce model. A unique high-performance version in the spirit of the old 'Blower Bentleys,' it featured a turbocharged version of the company's powerful V8, as well as excellent brakes and a sports car-like interior with bucket seats and full instrumentation. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in "Crewe's Missile," as enthusiasts dubbed it, took only 6.5 seconds – a figure improved upon with the 1995 introduction of a new version, with Zytek fuel injection.

A special edition of the Turbo R, aptly dubbed the Turbo R SE, was produced for the 1996 model year, exclusively for the American market. Twelve examples were built, all in uniquely available paint colors with the door mirror mountings, radiator vanes, and headlamp surrounds finished to match, and chrome-plated Bentley Azure wheels with black-finished badges. The interior featured 'niche'-style two-tone seats without contrasting piping, extensive use of additional leather trim throughout, and burr walnut veneers, as well as a numbered plaque.

Jim Taylor's car was the fifth Turbo R SE produced, and was finished in Black Emerald with Black and Spruce interior. It was formerly owned by Robert Revely of Coronado, California, and subsequently by the well-known collector Tom Gerrard, known for building one of the very finest stables of exquisitely restored American convertibles of the 1950s and 1960s. Mr. Taylor acquired the car from Mr. Gerrard in 2013.

The Bentley remains largely very well-preserved, with the interior woodwork and Wilton wool carpets remaining in fine shape. At the time of cataloging, it had recorded 49,662 miles.

A lovely example of one of the most significant modern Bentleys, this Turbo R boasts limited-production trim and distinguished ownership to recommend it to the astute connoisseur.