BENTLEY TURBO R

(1985-98)

No ‘Best of British’ feature would be complete without a Bentley, now would it? And we’ve chosen one of our favourites, a model that began life as the Mulsanne Turbo back in 1982 before being treated to some tasty upgrades three years later. That turned it into the Turbo R, with the ‘R’ standing for road holding, and it handled better than any car this big and this heavy had a right to. It was quick in a straight line, too.

Bolting a Garrett blower to the 6.75-litre pushrod V8 resulted in prodigious power and torque – the last cars boasted 400bhp – and it charged for the horizon with a muted roar when you buried the throttle into the Wilton.

Developed over the years with the likes of fuel injection and adaptive damping, it was a very opulent way to go fast. It feels just as magnificent today, oozing class from every inch of its handbuilt coachwork and we reckon that it’s a wonderful way to celebrate Bentley’s centenary. In fact, that 100th birthday is one of the milestones being celebrated at Ormskirk Motorfest this year, so if you fancy admiring a rich selection of Crewe’s finest then we suggest you set your sat nav for Lancashire this bank holiday.

One of the biggest free family events in the north west, it’s always a cracking show and you’re in for a treat because there are plenty of other automotive anniversaries being celebrated at the event alongside the Bentleys, from 60 years of the Mini to 60 years since the first British Grand Prix at Aintree; that milestone win – the first by a rearengined car – was famously taken by Jack Brabham in a Cooper T51.

And with last year seeing the glorious Jaguar XK120 marking 70 years since its launch, there’s almost certainly going to be some of those fine machines in attendance, too. This event always promises some great highlights, amongst them a parade of classics through the town centre and a brilliant concours d’elegance. A great range of vehicles will also be displayed in Coronation Park and throughout the town, plus there’s a qualifying round of the AutoSOLO Championship to enjoy.

1985 BENTLEY TURBO R ENGINE 6750cc/V8/OHV POWER 298bhp@3800rpm TORQUE 450lb ft@4500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 134mph 0-60MPH 6.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 10-18mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto

Classy, luxurious and quick – the Turbo R is the epitome of a proper Bentley.

With beautiful cars and plenty of anniversaries to celebrate, this year’s Ormskirk Motorfest will be a belter.

Without all those dials you might not realise just how fast you’re cruising!

Huge V8 can belt the Turbo R along at quite a lick, though it does like a drink…

Recline into a Bentley’s sumptuous leather and you’ll never want to get out.