Masochistic Tendencies: 1990 Bentley Turbo R
The Bentley Turbo R wasn’t just ahead of its time (with features like dual climate zone control in the 80s) it was also so ruthlessly complicated that ownership 30 years later requires an undeniable amount of pedigree or masochistic tendencies. Power in the Bentley came from a Rolls Royce 6.75 liter turbocharged V8 that pushed something in the realm of 300 horsepower and 485 ft-lbs of torque (Rolls never released official power output figures in a coy “gentlemen don’t tell” sorta manner) into a GM turbohydramtic slushbox. Expect even the smallest repairs to cost serious coin if you take it to a Bentley expert..but ownership shouldn’t be that bad if you are handy with a multi-meter and a wrench. Find this 1990 Bentley Turbo R offered for $14,900 in San Antonio, TX via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.
From the seller:
1990 Bentley Turbo R
fuel: gas
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
A stunning highly collectible 1990 Turbo R. The 89-96 models are what brought Bentley back to its racing heritage. Known as the “Crewe’s Missile” it was handbuilt in the Crewe, England Rooks Royce plant. It weighs over 5k lbs and was capable of almost 160 mph. Pretty unbelievable for its time. Jay Leno does a nice bio on his on YouTube. This is a very rare color combo and it is beautiful. Low mileage at 64k miles. There are 9 in the country for sale and this is by far the nicest for the price. Same color, higher mileage at dealer for 35k. This car was 214k new.
Wood grain dash is perfect, dual horn, clock, ice cold ac etc. I had an $800 service one month ago. Have books and some big service receipts from prior ownership. Good investment or just an insane vehicle for the price. When you drive the only thing you hear is this car. You cannot hear anything external. No bs, no scammers, no PayPal etc. open to trades but car is worth every penny and would rather sell.
See a better way to drive something imperial? tips@dailyturismo.com
Interesting find – it's rather weird to see a Bentley painted fire engine red instead of something more understated. It's jarring, like seeing one with a GMC 8-71 blower through the hood.
My grandparents had an early '80 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur when I was in high school and I was in awe of the car. I remember riding in it and feeling like I was in a luxury tank or something. It soaked up road imperfections like nothing I'd ever been in and practically made their '78 Cadillac El Dorado Biarritz feel like a Fiat.
My grand parents were the best and my Grandfather knew how I liked cars/their car, so one day, he tossed me the keys, handed me 20 bucks and said with a big cigar in his mouth, "Go check the tire pressure for me son", then give me a wink. To say I was stoked doesn't even begin to describe it.
On a different note, the older they got, the more they realized the Rolls was too big of a car for them to keep driving so they sold it for something completely different/lower cost, but still peppy… an '86 Chrysler Le Baron Turbo. Whenever they would leave our house, Gramps would gun it and haze the (front) tires. My Grandmother hated that, LOL
Not sure of what to make of the multiple bottles of whiskey stashed throughout the car.