Linen Suit Optional: 1990 Bentley Turbo R – Sold?

July 16, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Even as a tired used car, there’s no denying that vintage Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles have a presence. The 1980s models were downright imposing in appearance, and once turbocharging entered the picture, you could almost forget it weighed as much as three Honda Civics. This 1990 Bentley Turbo R originally listed here in Hilton Head has just over 66,000 original miles with full service records and an asking price of $19,500.  Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Turbo R priced between an “Excellent” example ($18,700) and a “Concours” model ($26,000).

Now, it’s easy to cast aside 1980s-era Rolls Royce Silver Spirits and Bentley Continentals as being boorish luxury sedans that are difficult to own and expensive to maintain. It may be true of some models, but to the company’s credit, the Turbo R was a fairly exhaustive refresh to make the flagship sedan a more sporting alternative to its Silver Spirit sibling. Bentley actually overhauled the suspension in addition to bringing turbocharging into the mix, and upgraded shocks and stiffer roll bars did wonders to put its 300 horsepower to the ground in a manner that made your chauffer want to take the back roads. Of course, with that improved suspension comes the need to service the expensive and exotic struts featuring automatic ride control, and like all things Bentley and Rolls Royce related, nothing comes cheap. Buying one with extensive history and records of maintenance performed is a must.

This Turbo R looks far more content to be a cruiser tackling nothing more challenging than four-lane interstate between your Hilton Head condo and the yacht club. The exaggerated whitewall tires does nothing to convey that this was the “sporty” Bentley, but it’s also not entirely inappropriate to see them on a car of this style. The seller reports that this Turbo R has been “..meticulously maintained” and that you won’t find a better one like it. The listing doesn’t include any specifics around prior maintenance, but the numerous photos show what looks like decent paintwork, excellent chrome, level suspension height, and heated Connelly leather in mint condition. The seller notes the original list price was $167,500, which may make the $20K ask seem like a bargain – but only if those maintenance records exist, because that’s where the next owner will either keep his expenses to a minimum or make the asking price seem as costly as the original purchase order. Good luck with the acquisition if you take this Hilton Head charmer home!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1990 Bentley Turbo R VIN SCBZR03D2LCX31918. Silver/Gray with Connelly Premium Leather Heated Seats. Meticulously maintained inside and out, the paint and chrome are mirror-like. The white sidewall tires are perfect. You will not find a car like this in better appearance and mechanical condition! Includes Air Conditioning, Alarm System, Chrome Alloy Wheels, All-Season Tires, Am/Fm Radio W/Cd Player, Anti-Lock Brakes, Armrests – Dual Front, Auto-Dimming Mirrors, Automatic Transmission, Auxiliary Audio Input – Jack, Base Package, Bucket Seats, Center Console Storage, Mats, Chrome Package, Cruise Control, Dome Lamp, Floormats, Sheep’s Wool Full-Size Floor Mats, Spare Tire, Heated Front Seats, High Performance Tires, Leather Seats, Luxury Package, Memory Seat Adjuster, Power Heated Mirrors, Power Mirrors, Power Seats, Power Steering, Power Trunk, Power Windows, Rear Window Defroster, Spare Tire, Tinted Glass. 6.8 Liter Turbocharged V8. 66,126 miles. Full service records and manuals. Originally price was $167,500 and it is reasonably priced now at $19,500.“

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