1985 Bentley Turbo R Saloon

1985 to 1997 · Sedan

The Turbo R marked Bentley's dramatic renaissance, transforming the marque from stately luxury into something genuinely sporting. Launched in 1985, this was the first Bentley in decades that could genuinely embarrass sports cars at traffic lights. The 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 produced around 300 horsepower, but more importantly, delivered massive torque that made the 5,000-pound saloon feel surprisingly agile. Bentley stiffened the suspension, added anti-roll bars, and fitted lower-profile tires—revolutionary changes for Crewe. The result was a car that could hit 60 mph in under 7 seconds while maintaining that unmistakable Bentley presence. Production totaled approximately 7,230 units over 12 years, making clean examples increasingly sought-after. Early cars are particularly desirable among collectors who appreciate the Turbo R's role in saving Bentley's sporting credibility. Values have been climbing steadily as enthusiasts recognize this as the car that laid the foundation for modern Bentley performance.