1997 Bentley Turbo RT ** Low Mileage **

Offered for sale on behalf of our client this lovely rare example of the 1997 Bentley Turbo RT. Presented in Red Pearl and complemented with Cream hide and red piping, Burr Walnut dashboard, centre console and door capping’s. And finished with Red Wilton carpets and thick red lambswool mats.

First registered and purchased on 9th December 1997, from Michael Powles Bentley in Leicestershire, with the original registration of R11 DJL and chassis number WCH66310. Michael Powles Bentley & Rolls Royce Specialists maintained this vehicle for the first 9 services before moving to Stewart Walker Motor Engineers Bentley and Rolls Royce Specialists in Berkshire, and now being looked after by Ramsport. The Service book has been stamped by Bentley approved specialists throughout its lifetime.

It is a well-maintained example both inside and out which has recently received a full engine service and inspection at the miles of 32, 634 in our North Wales based workshop. This Vehicle has the lowest mileage of any RT currently available to the market with 32, 826 miles (at the point of listing).

Turning 25 years old this year the vehicle is in fantastic condition throughout, there are some age-related marks and blemishes, which do not affect the useability, driveability, enjoyment & driving experience.

Upon the last vehicle inspection carried out there were two items noted to the client, the first was very slight movement in the rear wheel bearings to which we have advised this will be monitored at the next service interval, the second was the passenger seat has limited functionality.

The driving experience whilst inside the vehicle is refined and smooth as to be expected from a Bentley. The transmission changes are smooth and effortless, and the handling is responsive and controlled. The upholstery is comfortable, fully supported with no signs of cushion compression or fabric sag.

This Turbo RT has been enjoyed over many luxurious miles during the present ownership, and is being sold by the client due to a downsize in the collection.

Included in the sale are the leather-bound Turbo R owners hand book and official Bentley/ Rolls Royce service handbook, Bentley trickle charger, complete tool set and cherished registration plate.

Viewing is recommended by appointment only and the vehicle is priced to sell at £32, 500.00 Offers invited.

Background history to the Bentley Turbo RT

The Bentley Turbo RT was the last and most expensive of the Turbo R line. The RT came with a 400 bhp 6. 75 litre V8 engine as used in the Continental T, which is boosted by a single Garret T04 turbocharger, the RT uses a Zytek EMS3 engine management system developed from Formula 1 racing technology, differing from the earlier models with the ‘Motronic’ system, it is visually differentiated from other Bentley Turbo R models by its sports alloy wheels, radiator mesh grille and colour-coded bumpers with bright mesh inserts. Performance was sufficient: with a top speed limited to 150mph (241km/ h), the ultra-luxurious Turbo RT was as fast as the sporting German luxury saloons of the time. The vehicles base price was £176, 000, with was roughly £55, 000 more than the Turbo R.

The Turbo RT was produced during 1997 and 1998 only, with 252 models produced, it was essentially a “runout special’, an effort from Bentley to sell the remaining Mulsanne style bodies with lots of additional extras as standard before the introduction and replacement of the model for the Arnage. Of the 252 models built, 164 for the UK & Ni market as of Q4 of 2021 only 67 remain on the roads as a taxed vehicle. Making this vehicle a rarity to own.

The Bentley Turbo R range introduced in 1985 in Geneva, continued the modern ‘Blower Bentley’ theme. It came with additional refinement to the vehicle’s suspension making it more suitable to the vehicles increased performance. The vehicle was instrumental in the resurgence of the legendary Bentley name. it was hard to imagine that during the close of the 1970s, the Bentley name was on the verge of extinction, as it accounted for just 3% of Rolls-Royce Motor Car’s production. However, this tragedy was avoided by re-establishing the company’s strategy was to evoke memories of their glorious past achievements at Le Mans. When Rolls-Royce introduced their Silver Sprit, the Bentley counterpart was named ‘Mulsanne’ in honour of its accomplishments at LeMans. It was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1982 and was immediately successful. It was hailed by the motoring press as the return of the ‘Blower Bentley’.

The R stood for “roadholding” to set it apart from its predecessor. It initially inherited the turbocharged engine from the Mulsanne Turbo and also sported a returned suspension and wider tyres on alloy wheels (The R was the first Bentley to be supplied from the factory with alloy wheels). The Turbo R’s V8 engine was retuned with fuel injection for added torque. And was regarded as the “The first Bentley in decades deserving of the famous name”

Characteristics and peculiarities

Vehicle Make: Bentley
Vehicle Model: Turbo RT
Vehicle Registration: R400 RWJ
Vehicle Mileage: 32, 826
MOT Due: 20th September 2022
Last Serviced: 5th January 2022

Engine: 6. 75L V8 Garret T04 Turbocharger
Performance: 400 bhp 590 lb ft at 2100 rpm
Drivetrain: Front engine rear wheel drive
Transmission: 3-Speed TH400 automatic
Assembly: Crewe, Cheshire, England
Kerb Weight: 2, 450 kg

Predecessor: Bentley Mulsanne Turbo
Successor: Bentley Arnage

Background of the model
The Bentley Turbo RT is the successor of the Bentley Turbo R LWB (Long wheel base)
The Bentley Turbo RT is standard a LWB edition. The SWB was not listed by the factory but could still be purchased as a special order. Therefore, the short edition was called the Bentley Turbo RT SWB
The Turbo RT is a Turbo R which features the Continental T’s power train
The Turbo RT aimed at motorists who could have been swayed by the Ferrari, and, in particular, those used to Mercedes limousines and BMW L models. The Turbo RT was aimed at a particular niche in the market and is unique inasmuch that the factory did not produce and publicity material for it.

General characteristics
Engine with 400 bhp, 590 lb ft at 2, 100 rpm
Mesh grille
Body coloured bumpers with chrome finishers and body coloured lower lip, together with mesh inserts to match the car’s mesh grille.
Headlamp surrounds in body colour
New ergonomically designed thicker steering wheel rim
5 Spoke 17” aluminium alloy wheels and low-profile tyres.

Identification of the model in the chassis numbers 

The chassis number of a Bentley Turbo RT has;
-The Letter B on the third position
-The letter P on the firth position
-a number between 66006 and 66497 (model year 1997)
-a number between 66510 and 66583 (model year 1998)

Viewing is strictly by appointment only, please contact us to arrange an appropriate time to view.