Going to look at a 1988 Bentley Turbo R tomorrow ...
Discussion
As the title says, I'm off to look at a Bentley Turbo R tomorrow. It is a 1988 model with an LPG conversion. I've got an Ls400 at the moment and I'm wondering what significant differences I can expect to find between the two? Also, some general points beyond the obvious ones as to what to look out for with this particular type of car? Thanks everyone.
A Bentley Turbo isn't really a car, its more of a posession like a yacht, a holiday home or a very expensive watch. It'll be more expensive than your LS400, noisier, a lot less reliable and more trouble all round.
Think of it as comparing Bells quite gruesome blended "Scotch" with the finest single malt. Certainly my Turbo R can change a crap day into a really good one just walking towards it across the car park.
You need to find a car with no serious bodywork problems and with a known status of the major mechanicals like suspension bushes and hydraulics. Unless you're handy with tools, don't pay less than £10k for one.
whereabouts is the car you're looking at - we may be able to arrange a look-see for you.
Think of it as comparing Bells quite gruesome blended "Scotch" with the finest single malt. Certainly my Turbo R can change a crap day into a really good one just walking towards it across the car park.
You need to find a car with no serious bodywork problems and with a known status of the major mechanicals like suspension bushes and hydraulics. Unless you're handy with tools, don't pay less than £10k for one.
whereabouts is the car you're looking at - we may be able to arrange a look-see for you.
Thanks for your advice so far. I think I might be looking at the wrong end of the market. But, here you go:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bentley-Turbo-R-/1111308...
According to the ad, it has had quite a bit of money spent on it over the last 10 years.
Looking at it this morning but I won't be deciding on what to do, if anything, until much later this week after I've had a chat with my mechanic about it.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bentley-Turbo-R-/1111308...
According to the ad, it has had quite a bit of money spent on it over the last 10 years.
Looking at it this morning but I won't be deciding on what to do, if anything, until much later this week after I've had a chat with my mechanic about it.
Its not expensive that's for sure, unusual to see them with the single headlamps these days.
If it drives well and the body looks as good as the pics go for it.
Ref the LPG.....these cars can be prone to head gaskets going, lpg vehicles run hotter so if there's any sign of poss head gasket failure, run.....40 hours labour to repair
If it drives well and the body looks as good as the pics go for it.
Ref the LPG.....these cars can be prone to head gaskets going, lpg vehicles run hotter so if there's any sign of poss head gasket failure, run.....40 hours labour to repair
That looks quite decent - from the photos at least.
So its a very early fuel-injected Turbo R, with the plastic radiator, but still with single headlamps, which is quite unusual these days (and all the better for it). Three-speed non active-ride.
I can only see some of the LPG pipework, but suspect that its an old-fashioned single-mixer set-up.
It may or may not have ABS at that age (ask)
Look how many miles it has done recdently, because if you're suddenly going to use it loads, then things will go wrong
Check also for confetti under the seats, as use in the carriage trade should get you a healthy wedge off.
You should be chuffed that its got four new Avon tyres - they're worth at least £1500 on their own.
Mind you, that money is "more economically-viable to break it" territory.
So its a very early fuel-injected Turbo R, with the plastic radiator, but still with single headlamps, which is quite unusual these days (and all the better for it). Three-speed non active-ride.
I can only see some of the LPG pipework, but suspect that its an old-fashioned single-mixer set-up.
It may or may not have ABS at that age (ask)
Look how many miles it has done recdently, because if you're suddenly going to use it loads, then things will go wrong
Check also for confetti under the seats, as use in the carriage trade should get you a healthy wedge off.
You should be chuffed that its got four new Avon tyres - they're worth at least £1500 on their own.
Mind you, that money is "more economically-viable to break it" territory.
Edited by 2woody on Wednesday 7th August 13:48
Just for your interest:
http://www.motorbase.com/auctionlot/by-id/48427386...
I believe this car has been on the market for a while, not uncommon, but you may want to cross-check the ownership history for a few recent changes.
Cheers,
Andy
http://www.motorbase.com/auctionlot/by-id/48427386...
I believe this car has been on the market for a while, not uncommon, but you may want to cross-check the ownership history for a few recent changes.
Cheers,
Andy
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