1997 Bentley Turbo R RL 6.75 V8 with turbocharger from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fabulous rising classic all round

Faults:

Mainly electrics, as in central locking.

Head gasket replacement around 60k, but this is to be expected and is not the fault of the car, but the fault in change of gasket sealant being used; to be in line with EU rules probably. Many head gaskets on cars in the last decades, it's all change now, especially if you keep the car for a long time and it was manufactured in last 40 years or so.

The central locking on these cars is a known problem, but usually sorted by competent independent.

General Comments:

The 1997 Turbo R was one of the last hand built Bentleys, and is not to be confused with the later VW built Bentley models, which seem to be on the aftermarket in huge numbers.

This is a classic automobile, and although a bit to handle financially, the reward of owning and driving such a classic eclipses the downtime.

Keeping the car well maintained is a must; plenty of stamps in the book, and prices are slowly rising for the best examples, and believe me, these are a whole lot of car for the asking price.

Every driver should have a drive in one of these; they are akin to driving around in a sitting room, and have the ability to get a superb amount of acceleration for such a large vehicle that can really surprise.

As one owner said, when someone is driving at 100 miles an hour and a Bentley Turbo R passes them, it does tend to make one sit up and think!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th August, 2015

6th Aug 2015, 21:28

It would certainly make a UK traffic policeman sit up - not sure about the thinking side of things.

9th Aug 2015, 03:11

I'm intrigued about the head gasket sealant issue. What changed about it?

1997 Bentley Turbo R 6.75 V8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fabulously satisfying driving and ownership experience

Faults:

Tyre replacement all round.

ECU electrical box failed.

Steering rack fault.

General Comments:

The car is an absolute joy to own and drive.

Wonderful acceleration for such a large car, and it wafts you along in almost complete silence until you wind it up a little, and then it has a very acceptable sound track.

Looks great either stationary or in motion; superb lines and a "classic" look and feel to it.

The last of the hand-built cars from Crewe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th March, 2014

26th Mar 2014, 03:24

I agree, it's very satisfying to have a car that looks great even when it's parked up.

1997 Bentley Turbo R 6.75 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A truly amazing automobile in every sense of the word

Faults:

Interior light fault when purchased.

General Comments:

A superb piece of (old) engineering that never ceases to please when driving.

It is without doubt the finest car I have owned and driven.

It is the first car I have ever got out of after a non stop 375 mile journey to have no issues with back problems.

Would thoroughly recommend to anyone who wants something special - but be aware of maintenance costs - it is NOT a Ford!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th June, 2007