Buy a Bentley for 8K and people think you're a millionaire?
Discussion
I'm often discussing the impact and road presence of certain cars among family and friends.
During such a conversation earlier I recalled something Bob Mortimer once said on the One Show, "buy an 80's Bentley for 8 grand and people think you're a millionaire." Is this true to any degree?
Of course Bentley/Rolls Royce enthusiasts will be able to tell what value a particular vehicle is but what about non petrol heads? Do people in general make little or no distinction between say a new Brooklands or a 20 years old Brooklands?
During such a conversation earlier I recalled something Bob Mortimer once said on the One Show, "buy an 80's Bentley for 8 grand and people think you're a millionaire." Is this true to any degree?
Of course Bentley/Rolls Royce enthusiasts will be able to tell what value a particular vehicle is but what about non petrol heads? Do people in general make little or no distinction between say a new Brooklands or a 20 years old Brooklands?
My Turbo R is 22 years old (almost). I do get the impression that when some people see her they instantly think 'money', as opposed to my thinking which is 'beauty'. When people ask me about her, the question is almost always asked 'How much is she worth'? I tend to reply by saying they are extremely affordable to buy, but not so affordable to keep (depending on how you look after them). Cheap to buy, expensive to keep. But its not about money, not for me anyway.
Todays Bentley's are commonplace, in some eyes, new Bentley's are just another up market car. Older Bentley's like the Turbo R have, in my opinion, got character and beauty and presence, the WOW factor. Older Bentley's and Rolls Royce for that matter, turn heads and stop people in their tracks in a way the new cars can't hold a candle to.
One former Bentley factory worker heard I had a Bentley and asked me what model I had. When I told him it was a Turbo R, he said o'h, you're an enthusiast not a rich showoff. The next time I met him he gave me various booklets, leaflets etc on Bentley's that were from his time at the factory, all in mint condition. As we were flicking through the items, I was able to tell him what the various models were and in some cases were they are right now and about their owners. The next time I met him he handed me a carrier bag with a Bentley Motors Car Club pullover in it (I'm wearing it in the picture of me with 'Hatty' outside the Bentley Factory back in November last year - see thread for picture - that was the Friday before the 'meet').
I live in a former two up two down council house. I don't smoke or drink. My Bentley is my 'Passion'. Money is scarce, so I go without to keep 'Hatty' on the road in the proper manner. I take joy and pleasure from simply knowing she's there for me to take out and enjoy, even if its just a few miles to keep the fluids moving. Sometimes I satisfy my 'fix' by just going to the garage, looking at her or sitting in her. I relish every moment I'm in her company.
The new Bentley's are indeed excellent vehicles. But for me, give me my Turbo R anytime. Its not about money....Its about......Well, if you don't know, I can't tell you.
Todays Bentley's are commonplace, in some eyes, new Bentley's are just another up market car. Older Bentley's like the Turbo R have, in my opinion, got character and beauty and presence, the WOW factor. Older Bentley's and Rolls Royce for that matter, turn heads and stop people in their tracks in a way the new cars can't hold a candle to.
One former Bentley factory worker heard I had a Bentley and asked me what model I had. When I told him it was a Turbo R, he said o'h, you're an enthusiast not a rich showoff. The next time I met him he gave me various booklets, leaflets etc on Bentley's that were from his time at the factory, all in mint condition. As we were flicking through the items, I was able to tell him what the various models were and in some cases were they are right now and about their owners. The next time I met him he handed me a carrier bag with a Bentley Motors Car Club pullover in it (I'm wearing it in the picture of me with 'Hatty' outside the Bentley Factory back in November last year - see thread for picture - that was the Friday before the 'meet').
I live in a former two up two down council house. I don't smoke or drink. My Bentley is my 'Passion'. Money is scarce, so I go without to keep 'Hatty' on the road in the proper manner. I take joy and pleasure from simply knowing she's there for me to take out and enjoy, even if its just a few miles to keep the fluids moving. Sometimes I satisfy my 'fix' by just going to the garage, looking at her or sitting in her. I relish every moment I'm in her company.
The new Bentley's are indeed excellent vehicles. But for me, give me my Turbo R anytime. Its not about money....Its about......Well, if you don't know, I can't tell you.
Waffagolf said:
My Turbo R is 22 years old (almost). I do get the impression that when some people see her they instantly think 'money', as opposed to my thinking which is 'beauty'. When people ask me about her, the question is almost always asked 'How much is she worth'? I tend to reply by saying they are extremely affordable to buy, but not so affordable to keep (depending on how you look after them). Cheap to buy, expensive to keep. But its not about money, not for me anyway.
Todays Bentley's are commonplace, in some eyes, new Bentley's are just another up market car. Older Bentley's like the Turbo R have, in my opinion, got character and beauty and presence, the WOW factor. Older Bentley's and Rolls Royce for that matter, turn heads and stop people in their tracks in a way the new cars can't hold a candle to.
One former Bentley factory worker heard I had a Bentley and asked me what model I had. When I told him it was a Turbo R, he said o'h, you're an enthusiast not a rich showoff. The next time I met him he gave me various booklets, leaflets etc on Bentley's that were from his time at the factory, all in mint condition. As we were flicking through the items, I was able to tell him what the various models were and in some cases were they are right now and about their owners. The next time I met him he handed me a carrier bag with a Bentley Motors Car Club pullover in it (I'm wearing it in the picture of me with 'Hatty' outside the Bentley Factory back in November last year - see thread for picture - that was the Friday before the 'meet').
I live in a former two up two down council house. I don't smoke or drink. My Bentley is my 'Passion'. Money is scarce, so I go without to keep 'Hatty' on the road in the proper manner. I take joy and pleasure from simply knowing she's there for me to take out and enjoy, even if its just a few miles to keep the fluids moving. Sometimes I satisfy my 'fix' by just going to the garage, looking at her or sitting in her. I relish every moment I'm in her company.
The new Bentley's are indeed excellent vehicles. But for me, give me my Turbo R anytime. Its not about money....Its about......Well, if you don't know, I can't tell you.
Great post.Todays Bentley's are commonplace, in some eyes, new Bentley's are just another up market car. Older Bentley's like the Turbo R have, in my opinion, got character and beauty and presence, the WOW factor. Older Bentley's and Rolls Royce for that matter, turn heads and stop people in their tracks in a way the new cars can't hold a candle to.
One former Bentley factory worker heard I had a Bentley and asked me what model I had. When I told him it was a Turbo R, he said o'h, you're an enthusiast not a rich showoff. The next time I met him he gave me various booklets, leaflets etc on Bentley's that were from his time at the factory, all in mint condition. As we were flicking through the items, I was able to tell him what the various models were and in some cases were they are right now and about their owners. The next time I met him he handed me a carrier bag with a Bentley Motors Car Club pullover in it (I'm wearing it in the picture of me with 'Hatty' outside the Bentley Factory back in November last year - see thread for picture - that was the Friday before the 'meet').
I live in a former two up two down council house. I don't smoke or drink. My Bentley is my 'Passion'. Money is scarce, so I go without to keep 'Hatty' on the road in the proper manner. I take joy and pleasure from simply knowing she's there for me to take out and enjoy, even if its just a few miles to keep the fluids moving. Sometimes I satisfy my 'fix' by just going to the garage, looking at her or sitting in her. I relish every moment I'm in her company.
The new Bentley's are indeed excellent vehicles. But for me, give me my Turbo R anytime. Its not about money....Its about......Well, if you don't know, I can't tell you.
Waffagolf said:
My Turbo R is 22 years old (almost). I do get the impression that when some people see her they instantly think 'money', as opposed to my thinking which is 'beauty'. When people ask me about her, the question is almost always asked 'How much is she worth'? I tend to reply by saying they are extremely affordable to buy, but not so affordable to keep (depending on how you look after them). Cheap to buy, expensive to keep. But its not about money, not for me anyway.
Todays Bentley's are commonplace, in some eyes, new Bentley's are just another up market car. Older Bentley's like the Turbo R have, in my opinion, got character and beauty and presence, the WOW factor. Older Bentley's and Rolls Royce for that matter, turn heads and stop people in their tracks in a way the new cars can't hold a candle to.
One former Bentley factory worker heard I had a Bentley and asked me what model I had. When I told him it was a Turbo R, he said o'h, you're an enthusiast not a rich showoff. The next time I met him he gave me various booklets, leaflets etc on Bentley's that were from his time at the factory, all in mint condition. As we were flicking through the items, I was able to tell him what the various models were and in some cases were they are right now and about their owners. The next time I met him he handed me a carrier bag with a Bentley Motors Car Club pullover in it (I'm wearing it in the picture of me with 'Hatty' outside the Bentley Factory back in November last year - see thread for picture - that was the Friday before the 'meet').
I live in a former two up two down council house. I don't smoke or drink. My Bentley is my 'Passion'. Money is scarce, so I go without to keep 'Hatty' on the road in the proper manner. I take joy and pleasure from simply knowing she's there for me to take out and enjoy, even if its just a few miles to keep the fluids moving. Sometimes I satisfy my 'fix' by just going to the garage, looking at her or sitting in her. I relish every moment I'm in her company.
The new Bentley's are indeed excellent vehicles. But for me, give me my Turbo R anytime. Its not about money....Its about......Well, if you don't know, I can't tell you.
Todays Bentley's are commonplace, in some eyes, new Bentley's are just another up market car. Older Bentley's like the Turbo R have, in my opinion, got character and beauty and presence, the WOW factor. Older Bentley's and Rolls Royce for that matter, turn heads and stop people in their tracks in a way the new cars can't hold a candle to.
One former Bentley factory worker heard I had a Bentley and asked me what model I had. When I told him it was a Turbo R, he said o'h, you're an enthusiast not a rich showoff. The next time I met him he gave me various booklets, leaflets etc on Bentley's that were from his time at the factory, all in mint condition. As we were flicking through the items, I was able to tell him what the various models were and in some cases were they are right now and about their owners. The next time I met him he handed me a carrier bag with a Bentley Motors Car Club pullover in it (I'm wearing it in the picture of me with 'Hatty' outside the Bentley Factory back in November last year - see thread for picture - that was the Friday before the 'meet').
I live in a former two up two down council house. I don't smoke or drink. My Bentley is my 'Passion'. Money is scarce, so I go without to keep 'Hatty' on the road in the proper manner. I take joy and pleasure from simply knowing she's there for me to take out and enjoy, even if its just a few miles to keep the fluids moving. Sometimes I satisfy my 'fix' by just going to the garage, looking at her or sitting in her. I relish every moment I'm in her company.
The new Bentley's are indeed excellent vehicles. But for me, give me my Turbo R anytime. Its not about money....Its about......Well, if you don't know, I can't tell you.
Soovy said:
Waffagolf said:
My Turbo R is 22 years old (almost). I do get the impression that when some people see her they instantly think 'money', as opposed to my thinking which is 'beauty'. When people ask me about her, the question is almost always asked 'How much is she worth'? I tend to reply by saying they are extremely affordable to buy, but not so affordable to keep (depending on how you look after them). Cheap to buy, expensive to keep. But its not about money, not for me anyway.
Todays Bentley's are commonplace, in some eyes, new Bentley's are just another up market car. Older Bentley's like the Turbo R have, in my opinion, got character and beauty and presence, the WOW factor. Older Bentley's and Rolls Royce for that matter, turn heads and stop people in their tracks in a way the new cars can't hold a candle to.
One former Bentley factory worker heard I had a Bentley and asked me what model I had. When I told him it was a Turbo R, he said o'h, you're an enthusiast not a rich showoff. The next time I met him he gave me various booklets, leaflets etc on Bentley's that were from his time at the factory, all in mint condition. As we were flicking through the items, I was able to tell him what the various models were and in some cases were they are right now and about their owners. The next time I met him he handed me a carrier bag with a Bentley Motors Car Club pullover in it (I'm wearing it in the picture of me with 'Hatty' outside the Bentley Factory back in November last year - see thread for picture - that was the Friday before the 'meet').
I live in a former two up two down council house. I don't smoke or drink. My Bentley is my 'Passion'. Money is scarce, so I go without to keep 'Hatty' on the road in the proper manner. I take joy and pleasure from simply knowing she's there for me to take out and enjoy, even if its just a few miles to keep the fluids moving. Sometimes I satisfy my 'fix' by just going to the garage, looking at her or sitting in her. I relish every moment I'm in her company.
The new Bentley's are indeed excellent vehicles. But for me, give me my Turbo R anytime. Its not about money....Its about......Well, if you don't know, I can't tell you.
Great post.Todays Bentley's are commonplace, in some eyes, new Bentley's are just another up market car. Older Bentley's like the Turbo R have, in my opinion, got character and beauty and presence, the WOW factor. Older Bentley's and Rolls Royce for that matter, turn heads and stop people in their tracks in a way the new cars can't hold a candle to.
One former Bentley factory worker heard I had a Bentley and asked me what model I had. When I told him it was a Turbo R, he said o'h, you're an enthusiast not a rich showoff. The next time I met him he gave me various booklets, leaflets etc on Bentley's that were from his time at the factory, all in mint condition. As we were flicking through the items, I was able to tell him what the various models were and in some cases were they are right now and about their owners. The next time I met him he handed me a carrier bag with a Bentley Motors Car Club pullover in it (I'm wearing it in the picture of me with 'Hatty' outside the Bentley Factory back in November last year - see thread for picture - that was the Friday before the 'meet').
I live in a former two up two down council house. I don't smoke or drink. My Bentley is my 'Passion'. Money is scarce, so I go without to keep 'Hatty' on the road in the proper manner. I take joy and pleasure from simply knowing she's there for me to take out and enjoy, even if its just a few miles to keep the fluids moving. Sometimes I satisfy my 'fix' by just going to the garage, looking at her or sitting in her. I relish every moment I'm in her company.
The new Bentley's are indeed excellent vehicles. But for me, give me my Turbo R anytime. Its not about money....Its about......Well, if you don't know, I can't tell you.
Agree with above, great post.
Just got back from garage having had second visit to inspect a 1990 Turbo R. I was 95% certain to confirm the deal. Your post has helped me remove that last 5% of doubt. It has full service history, all MOTs back to first to confirm the total mileage of 60k. Current MOT until Nov 2012. Almost new tyres and very good condition for age. Not mint condition as a few very minor stone chips in paint around the front grill etc but nothing that can't be sorted with a little TLC. Interior is like new and absolutely everything works perfectly. Seems a hell of a lot of quality car for the price of a new Kia Picanto (nothing against those, bought one for my student son).
Just got to sort out the insurance for it now.
Edit: Just phoned Admiral to add it to my multi-car policy and just over £100 to add it for the 6 moths left to run on policy. It obviously pays to be an old git! Early 50th birthday present to myself.
Just got back from garage having had second visit to inspect a 1990 Turbo R. I was 95% certain to confirm the deal. Your post has helped me remove that last 5% of doubt. It has full service history, all MOTs back to first to confirm the total mileage of 60k. Current MOT until Nov 2012. Almost new tyres and very good condition for age. Not mint condition as a few very minor stone chips in paint around the front grill etc but nothing that can't be sorted with a little TLC. Interior is like new and absolutely everything works perfectly. Seems a hell of a lot of quality car for the price of a new Kia Picanto (nothing against those, bought one for my student son).
Just got to sort out the insurance for it now.
Edit: Just phoned Admiral to add it to my multi-car policy and just over £100 to add it for the 6 moths left to run on policy. It obviously pays to be an old git! Early 50th birthday present to myself.
Edited by Crapaud on Monday 20th February 15:08
Waffagolf said:
My Turbo R is 22 years old (almost). I do get the impression that when some people see her they instantly think 'money', as opposed to my thinking which is 'beauty'. When people ask me about her, the question is almost always asked 'How much is she worth'? I tend to reply by saying they are extremely affordable to buy, but not so affordable...
+1By far the best post I've read in a long time!
Some people are under the misaprehension that when you buy a Bentley such as a Turbo R, you've bought a car. No, no, no, no. What you have done is brought home a new member of your family. You will, as so many of us do, form a 'bond' with a beautiful new 'Lady' in your life.
Let us know how you 'feel' when you take her home. When you sit in her having adjusted the seating to your own personal requirements, with the arm rest down, hands on the steering wheel, elbows resting on each arm rest. Looking around the cabin as you run your hands around the steering wheel whilst taking in the smell, looking through the windscreen down the bonnet. As you take your hands off the steering wheel and pull down the sun visor then take in the workings of the facia. As you look at the veneer around the cabin and take your time to notice how every inch matches, your eyes being taken to the hand stitched leather.
Seat belt on, then start her up. Then sit and listen. Then take her out onto the open road, caressing the streering wheel as you go. Having reached around 35/40mph on a safe road, put your foot down and feel the moment. Tell us how your tummy felt having reached 70mph in the manner that you did and so quickly. If you have a passenger or passengers with you when you do it, listen to their reaction (Yes! you'll hear it) and ask them how they felt.
From then on any regrets that may have crept into your mind about inviting her into your family will be banished forever.
Then as soon as you park her in the garage and close the door, I defy you to not have the instant 'want', the instant 'need' to open the door and take her straight back out.
Oh yes, by the way, a 'Ladies' beauty is not confined just to the inside. Walk around her and take in every curve, I suggest you will even feel compelled to have a 'touch' here and there. Listen to your breathing as you do all this. For if your breath has not been taken away and butterflies in your tummy are non-existant, then maybe, just maybe, this 'Lady' was not for you.
Let us know how you 'feel' when you take her home. When you sit in her having adjusted the seating to your own personal requirements, with the arm rest down, hands on the steering wheel, elbows resting on each arm rest. Looking around the cabin as you run your hands around the steering wheel whilst taking in the smell, looking through the windscreen down the bonnet. As you take your hands off the steering wheel and pull down the sun visor then take in the workings of the facia. As you look at the veneer around the cabin and take your time to notice how every inch matches, your eyes being taken to the hand stitched leather.
Seat belt on, then start her up. Then sit and listen. Then take her out onto the open road, caressing the streering wheel as you go. Having reached around 35/40mph on a safe road, put your foot down and feel the moment. Tell us how your tummy felt having reached 70mph in the manner that you did and so quickly. If you have a passenger or passengers with you when you do it, listen to their reaction (Yes! you'll hear it) and ask them how they felt.
From then on any regrets that may have crept into your mind about inviting her into your family will be banished forever.
Then as soon as you park her in the garage and close the door, I defy you to not have the instant 'want', the instant 'need' to open the door and take her straight back out.
Oh yes, by the way, a 'Ladies' beauty is not confined just to the inside. Walk around her and take in every curve, I suggest you will even feel compelled to have a 'touch' here and there. Listen to your breathing as you do all this. For if your breath has not been taken away and butterflies in your tummy are non-existant, then maybe, just maybe, this 'Lady' was not for you.
Waffagolf said:
You will, as so many of us do, form a 'bond' with a beautiful new 'Lady' in your life.
Let us know how you 'feel' when you take her home.
I suggest you will even feel compelled to have a 'touch' here and there. Listen to your breathing as you do all this.
Waaffaagolf's "Lady" earlier, after a quiet night in.... alone... with nothing but their own company.....Let us know how you 'feel' when you take her home.
I suggest you will even feel compelled to have a 'touch' here and there. Listen to your breathing as you do all this.
Edited by Soovy on Monday 20th February 17:01
Waffagolf said:
It's not about money....It's about....Well, if you don't know, I can't tell you.
Waffagolf said:
Some people are under the misapprehension that when you buy a Bentley such as a Turbo R, you've bought a car. No, no, no, no. What you have done is brought home a new member of your family.
I think that Waaffaagolf has got it spot on. I have had quite a few bits of motoring exotica over the years but nothing quite matches the buzz that I get just looking at my Continental R on the drive, in the garage or just sitting in it. The sun came out yesterday and I just had to take it out for a blast. Pure Bliss!
As Balmoral Green says if you need it explained, you just don't get it.
Will the owners of the VAG Bentleys feel the same? There does not seem to be the same level of affection yet but time will tell, their owners still seem to be looking to upgrade what they have rather than rejoicing in their current model. As for me, I am content!
Paul
As Balmoral Green says if you need it explained, you just don't get it.
Will the owners of the VAG Bentleys feel the same? There does not seem to be the same level of affection yet but time will tell, their owners still seem to be looking to upgrade what they have rather than rejoicing in their current model. As for me, I am content!
Paul
he's spot on.
One of the "artisan - built" Bentleys is not just a motor car, nor is it juat a mode of transport. Having said that, if you need to ask, then you'll never really know.
The best description I can come up with is "when I've had a really bad day at work, I stroll down the car park, get into the Bentley and by the time I'm at the gate, it no longer matters" There is no other mode of transport of any type that would do that.
For me, too, one of the VW-Bentleys would not achieve the same effect.
One of the "artisan - built" Bentleys is not just a motor car, nor is it juat a mode of transport. Having said that, if you need to ask, then you'll never really know.
The best description I can come up with is "when I've had a really bad day at work, I stroll down the car park, get into the Bentley and by the time I'm at the gate, it no longer matters" There is no other mode of transport of any type that would do that.
For me, too, one of the VW-Bentleys would not achieve the same effect.
As much as I love the old school 17 1/2 foot barges they are just too big and cumbersome for a regularly used car in my world. New cars will become the next vintage one; it’s just a matter of time.
I guess I’m rarer next gen who actually cares for more modern kit, better still now they have become a little more affordable. There are plenty of shabby ones out there which is a real shame. I just wish more folks cared for them as the older models were, I remember the garage saying that the best ones were owned by former Bentley owner and not footballer WAGs.
I’m far from your average Bentley driver but who want to conform to stereo-types all the time. My conti is in for a five day detail, hopefully that will get it back to the condition these cars even VAG based ones should be kept in.
I guess I’m rarer next gen who actually cares for more modern kit, better still now they have become a little more affordable. There are plenty of shabby ones out there which is a real shame. I just wish more folks cared for them as the older models were, I remember the garage saying that the best ones were owned by former Bentley owner and not footballer WAGs.
I’m far from your average Bentley driver but who want to conform to stereo-types all the time. My conti is in for a five day detail, hopefully that will get it back to the condition these cars even VAG based ones should be kept in.
I am not a great fan of the modern VAG Bentley footballervagens, but I do think those of us who start up to the strains of Elgar or Wagner, should remember that these cars are still made by craftsmen at Crewe to very high standards and should be appreciated for that. Don't forget also, these models' success probably saved Bentley. Go easy on the new boys, I say.
Having taken the Bentley Experience tour on November 4th last year, I concur that British craftsmanship still exists and is responsible for the growing demand for new Bentleys (Thank you to the Chinese market). Attention to detail witnessed on the tour was wonderful (the glasses case in the GTC a case in point - pardon the pun).
Market forces have indeed played a vital role in the Bentley success story. Long may the marque continue.
But I'll never forget that when Rolls Royce launched the Silver Spirit back in 1980, the Bentley marque was almost extinct. In fact the famous Bentley badge was almost an irrelevance. Because Rolls Royce and Bentley's were almost identical.
Had it not been for the vision of the then Chief Executive David Plastow suggesting to John Hollings that they built a turbocharged Bentley, the marque would probably have disappeared forever. John at that time argued the toss with David because, up until that time, no European car manufacturer had built and put on sale, a turbocharged road car. What was it that David said to John "Don't be small minded, let's have some fun".
John aquired a car for David who sent it to Broadspeed. £7,000 later they had a turbocharged Bentley. The result of this was that the turbocharged Bentley family was born and the Bentley marque was saved. Yes the original turbocharged engine was put into a Rolls Royce, but it was always intended to go into a Bentley badged car. From that moment on, Bentley had its own personality.
Today's new Bentley's would not exist had it not been for the vision of David Plastow. For me, knowing this history, is part of the beauty of the Turbo R. To sit behind the wheel of a car that helped to save the Bentley marque only makes me tingle all over even more. The Bentley Mulsanne Turbo and the Turbo R, played a vital part in the Bentley story. For without them, today's GT, GTC & Mulsanne may never have been born.
Whilst 'Hatty' is not classed as a 'Classic' car (year wise - but she is insurance wise), she is for me, a beautiful lady of historic motoring significance. Therefore her beauty runs deeper than just her looks, her feel, her smell. Even John Hollings praised David Plastow for his foresight. Foresight that resulted in today's models that so many are fortunate to enjoy.
Taking into account all the above, and 'Hatty' my Midnight Blue Bentley Turbo R. Money plays no part in her value what-so-ever. For what she does for me, and how she makes me feel, is priceless.
Market forces have indeed played a vital role in the Bentley success story. Long may the marque continue.
But I'll never forget that when Rolls Royce launched the Silver Spirit back in 1980, the Bentley marque was almost extinct. In fact the famous Bentley badge was almost an irrelevance. Because Rolls Royce and Bentley's were almost identical.
Had it not been for the vision of the then Chief Executive David Plastow suggesting to John Hollings that they built a turbocharged Bentley, the marque would probably have disappeared forever. John at that time argued the toss with David because, up until that time, no European car manufacturer had built and put on sale, a turbocharged road car. What was it that David said to John "Don't be small minded, let's have some fun".
John aquired a car for David who sent it to Broadspeed. £7,000 later they had a turbocharged Bentley. The result of this was that the turbocharged Bentley family was born and the Bentley marque was saved. Yes the original turbocharged engine was put into a Rolls Royce, but it was always intended to go into a Bentley badged car. From that moment on, Bentley had its own personality.
Today's new Bentley's would not exist had it not been for the vision of David Plastow. For me, knowing this history, is part of the beauty of the Turbo R. To sit behind the wheel of a car that helped to save the Bentley marque only makes me tingle all over even more. The Bentley Mulsanne Turbo and the Turbo R, played a vital part in the Bentley story. For without them, today's GT, GTC & Mulsanne may never have been born.
Whilst 'Hatty' is not classed as a 'Classic' car (year wise - but she is insurance wise), she is for me, a beautiful lady of historic motoring significance. Therefore her beauty runs deeper than just her looks, her feel, her smell. Even John Hollings praised David Plastow for his foresight. Foresight that resulted in today's models that so many are fortunate to enjoy.
Taking into account all the above, and 'Hatty' my Midnight Blue Bentley Turbo R. Money plays no part in her value what-so-ever. For what she does for me, and how she makes me feel, is priceless.
I have never subscribed to the Marque loyalty syndrome and it is usually models rather than makers that press my buttons. Most of the modern Bentleys are beautiful cars but apart from the new Mulsanne don't excite me. As for the RR Phantom, it only needs a gun on the top and it could take part in "The Battle of the Bulge"
It is however not a competition and the beauty of it is that we can all indulge in what turns us on. There are people who dote on Morris Marinas. Good luck to them. We are all part of this great community of Petrolheads and long may it flourish.
Paul
It is however not a competition and the beauty of it is that we can all indulge in what turns us on. There are people who dote on Morris Marinas. Good luck to them. We are all part of this great community of Petrolheads and long may it flourish.
Paul
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