Bentley had planned to build 75 Turbo S's but only ultimately produced just 60 cars with another four built latterly in LHD format, thus one of the rarest models of the modern era.

All Turbo S’s built were short-wheelbase, all bar one that is as due to a communication error the original launch car was actually built in long-wheelbase form. Amusingly, this error was only noted at the unveiling of the car by the MD of Jack Barclay who informed the Sales Director of Rolls-Royce on the evening of the launch, we can only imagine the red faces that caused.

‍

The Model

The 1990’s gave birth to a vehicle manufacturer’s arms race, it seemed the three major German car manufacturers had locked horns in pursuit of more and more powerful super saloons, also known as Bahnstormers. This nickname had been gathered from their ability to use their performance in comfort, at almighty speeds on the de-restricted sections of the German Autobahns. In the 90’s powerful CEO’s could be whisked from city to city faster by car than by plane, all whilst still being able to use a mobile phone, time was, and is, money.

Bentley chose to engage in this battle in a far more British manner. Rather than chasing all-out lap times or top speeds, the Bentley Turbo S was engineered to dominate the fast lane through sheer torque, mass, and effortlessness. A measured press of the right toe would see the speedometer surge into autobahn-only territory, all while occupants remained cosseted in leather armchairs, deep carpets, and an atmosphere where physics felt politely ignored.⁠

⁠Quiet, imposing, and exceptionally rare, to see one fill your rear-view mirror was to receive a clear message. Stand down. You are about to be overtaken.⁠

The original plan was for Bentley to produce 75 Bentley Turbo S’s; however, this initial enthusiasm did not translate to market reality, in the end just 60 cars were built, however the numbered plaques had been committed too so all were bearing ‘number x of 75’. This makes it one of the rarest late-Crewe era Bentley’s.

Changes for this model included power increased up to 402bhp (up from 355bhp on the Turbo R of the time) thanks to Bosch Motronic fuel injection, a Garrett AirResearch turbo, and a liquid-cooled intercooler. Other cosmetic changes included later style bumpers, red badging, dark burr walnut with the Bentley motif and deeper seat bolstering.

‍

This Car

Our car here was originally supplied by main Bentley agents, Reg Vardy of Newcastle and was serviced by them on 6 occasions until 2000. Thereafter, all servicing has been entrusted to known Bentley Specialists including ourselves, we have actually known the car since 2020.

The chosen metallic colour of Wildberry looks magnificent, it really sets off the car beautifully and remains in great condition, while the lovely magnolia leather piped in Wildberry, perfectly complements the outside.

The history file is large and includes the April 2020 issue of Modern Classics magazine, where Quentin Wilson waxed lyrical about the comfort and ability of this example, it even made the cover shoot. Further documentation includes a wonderful array of period brochures and spec sheets, of course it also comes with stack of invoices, and a copy of the original chassis build card.

It is an exceptional example having seen regular and proper maintenance, recently this has included the hydraulic service in 2020 and four new tyres in 2023.

‍

In Summary

This is an exceptionally rare example of, what ultimately, was the last of the Crewe-built Bentley era, it feels like an important high-water mark for the brand. It is a shape which is truly coming of age, and today they strike an intriguing balance of classic enough to feel special, modern enough to be useable, a proper modern classic.

We invite you to enquire to find out more and to arrange a time to come and view this rare beast, you won’t be disappointed.

‍

‍