1988 BENTLEY TURBO R

Faultless – this Bentley shows few signs of its age or advanced mileage. There’s no hesitation when accelerating, and no exhaust smoke when doing so. The engine is smooth throughout the rev range, and, when prompted, there’s a heady surge of turbocharged power that transforms this large, heavy machine. The automatic transmission changes are silky and free from noise or jerkiness. This is no sports car, but it handles eff ectively and insulates occupants from road imperfections in trouble-free manner. The brakes are sharp and all gauges return healthy readings.

BODYWORK CHECK

The paint – a suitably noblesounding Windsor Blue with Champagne coachlining – is in superb order, save for some small chips under the fuel filler cap because the car was resprayed in 2016. There’s nothing else to worry about; even the big bumpers are unscuff ed. The later 17-inch alloy wheels – the originals would have been 15-inch – were refurbished this year and look like new. The correct Avon Turbospeed tyres have plenty of tread left and the car has been undersealed. The wing side badges read ‘Turbo’ rather than ‘Turbo R’, but we’re nitpicking here, because there’s nothing else to fault.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The blue-piped seats show only minor patina, and it’s most apparent where you’d expect it to be – on the driver’s side bolster. The wood is lovely – something else that has been redone recently. In fact, the only real sign of wear is some scuffi ng under the headlamp switch. Air conditioning, cruise control and the original Blaupunkt Atlanta SQR 47 radio/cassette work – the only things that don’t work are the electric seat memory settings – a new battery is required – and the period clunky Excell car phone in the centre cubby holder.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine bay is presentable enough, and everything is where it should be and free from any DIY tinkering. All the information stickers and warning signs are still in place and the underbonnet insulation is practically of mattress quality. With a recent service by Rolls-Royce/Bentley specialist Colbrook – the next is due in summer 2019 at 107,736 miles – it’s no surprise that all fluids are good. The full factory toolkit is still in the near-spotless boot.

THE CCW VIEW

We’ve seen Turbo Rs not nearly as nice as this up for much more money. With a very conscientious owner for the past six years (who intends to rectify the largely insignificant MoT advisories before sale) and a huge stash of paperwork, this is a bit of a steal at the price. The challenge will be keeping it up to the scrupulous standard it has been used to. Richard Gunn