The 1988 Bentley Turbo R Race Car: A Unique Piece of Top Gear and Motorsport History
For most, a Bentley Turbo R is the epitome of classic British luxury—a grand touring saloon designed for comfort, prestige, and refined performance. But one particular 1988 Bentley Turbo R has defied expectations, being transformed into a full-fledged race car and even making an appearance on Top Gear with Matt LeBlanc.
This one-of-a-kind Bentley recently went under the hammer at Collecting Cars, attracting attention from classic car enthusiasts, racing fans, and Top Gear followers alike. But did it sell? And what makes this Bentley Turbo R so special? Let’s take a look.
Image Credit Graham Eason
The Origins: From Luxury Saloon to Race Car
The Bentley Turbo R was introduced in 1985, featuring a 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine, soft leather interiors, and the kind of ride quality suited for the most discerning of clients. However, no one at Bentley ever envisioned the Turbo R as a track-ready race car—until a daring owner decided to break the mold.
This particular 1988 model was extensively modified to go racing, undergoing significant weight reduction, suspension tuning, and an interior strip-out. Key modifications included:
Lowered suspension for improved handling
Front splitter and rear diffuser for aerodynamic efficiency
Full race roll cage for driver safety
Lightweight race seat and harness
Fire extinguisher system for track compliance
While Bentley never intended the Turbo R to see a racetrack, these modifications turned the car into something truly unique, a blend of classic British opulence and raw racing aggression.
Image Credit Graham Eason
The Top Gear Connection: Matt LeBlanc Behind the Wheel
The car gained widespread attention when it was featured on Top Gear, driven by Matt LeBlanc. The former Friends star, known for his love of cars, took the Bentley Turbo R through its paces on the track.
Despite its unconventional nature as a race car, LeBlanc put it through its paces, showing just how far from its luxury roots this Bentley had come. The segment was met with amusement and appreciation from the Top Gear audience, further solidifying the car’s status as an oddball legend.
The Auction: Did It Sell?
On March 14, 2025, the Bentley Turbo R was listed for auction on Collecting Cars, with the sale set to run for a week. Given its unique history, including the Top Gear feature and its extensive modifications, many expected the car to attract strong bids.
However, as of now, no official confirmation of the final sale price or buyer has been released. If it did find a new home, the lucky owner will have secured one of the most unusual and exciting Bentley models ever built.
Why This Bentley Turbo R Matters
Classic Bentleys are typically reserved for concours events, high-end collectors, or Sunday cruises through the countryside. But this racing Turbo R challenges that perception, proving that even the most traditional luxury cars can be transformed into something unexpected.
This car embodies the spirit of customization, motorsport enthusiasm, and pop culture history, making it a rare and desirable piece of automotive memorabilia.
Image Credit Graham Eason
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Bentley Oddball
While a Bentley Turbo R race car might seem like an oxymoron, this unique 1988 model proves that even the most refined luxury saloons can have a wild side. Whether it sold or not, its legacy as a Top Gear-featured, track-ready Bentley is firmly cemented.
Would you take a Bentley Turbo R to the track? Or should luxury cars stay true to their original purpose? Let us know your thoughts!
If you want to explore advertising with us, I encourage you to get in touch. Please feel free to contact me directly, and I will be more than happy to provide you with further information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process.
Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale |
+44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com
