1998 Bentley Turbo R400 LWB - 1 of 6 Built

Highlights

• One of six LWB R400s built for dealer Weybridge & Mead
• Very high specification based on the 400bhp Turbo RT LWB
• Custom Mulliner Park Ward bodywork with 10mm flared arches
• Continously maintained by Ranmore of Betchworth
• Same family owned from new
• Bespoke two-tone interior has recently been restored
• Current MOT to March 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

In the realm of modern classic Bentleys, there is rare, and then there is the R400. Based on the low-volume LWB Turbo R, it carries the specification of the even rarer RT, of which just 250 were built. Yet it is considerably rarer still, with just six specially commissioned by Bentley dealer Weybridge & Mead, all customised by Mulliner Park Ward.

The work added the equivalent of £100,000 to the base price of a LWB RT, a hike of roughly 30% to give an equivalent cost today of over £400,000. No wonder the first buyers were deep-pocketed enthusiasts Elton John and former Mayor of London Sir Anthony Jolliffe. Each car received 10mm wider arches, a bespoke two-tone interior and the 400bhp engine from the RT.

This R400 has been in the same family from new and is finished in the same Brooklands Green as Elton’s car. It is a really well-kept car that has always been garaged and maintained only by specialist Ranmore of Betchworth. Other work has included carefully retrimming the two-tone magnolia and tan interior with its array of R400 details. The car comes to market with MOT to March 2027 with no advisories.

The Turbo RT is becoming the most collectable of SZ-era performance Bentleys, if you can find one. This R400 takes it to another level in rarity and specification. One not to miss.

The vendor says:

“A hand-built Bentley from the Crewe era, and a rare one at that. The 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 delivers effortless performance, with huge torque reserves that make the car feel far lighter than it is, while the ride remains quiet and supremely comfortable. The long wheelbase gives rear passengers generous extra legroom, making it as rewarding to be driven in as it is to drive. What stands out most is the condition and provenance. It is one of only five built, has been in the same family from new, has always been garaged, and comes with a full service history and photographs of its build. With the interior recently restored to pristine condition, the leather-and-walnut cabin is a wonderful place to spend time. A rare opportunity to buy a cherished, single-family Bentley Turbo R with a documented history from day one.”

Key Information

• Mileage: 87,186 miles indicated
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection: MOT valid to 19th March 2027 with no advisories
• Technical specs: 400bhp 6,750cc turbocharged V8, 4spd automatic
• Paperwork: service history and maintenance by Ranmore advised

The Detail

• One of only six R400 cars and finished in desirable Brooklands Green
• Paintwork and bodywork present very well in photos for a car of this age
• Bespoke Mulliner Park Ward bodywork including 10mm flared arches and wing vents
• Well kept five spoke R400 alloys in good order with matching Pirelli tyres
• Custom two-tone magnolia and light brown interior with R400 stitched decals
• Interior has been restored we are told
• Array of interior and exterior R400 details recorded below
• Green carpets and matching dash top in good order
• Dark walnut veneer trims present well
• Very light wear to note to usual high traffic areas such as driver’s bolster and armrest
• No advisories on MOT

R400 specificaton:

• 10 mm flared wheel arches to both front and rear
• 18" five spoke road wheels fitted with Pirelli tyres
• 400 bhp engine (the standard Turbo R had 385 bhp)
• Adjustable rear seats
• Bentley overlay to waistrails
• Chrome bezels fitted to interior gauges
• Chrome gear selector
• Chrome plated Centre strips to rear lamp clusters
• Chrome plated radiator shell and vanes
• Chrome plated scuttle grille surrounds
• Colour coded interior cheater panels
• Colour coded lower lip to both front and rear spoilers
• Colour coded speaker grilles
• Colour keyed door mirrors and cheaters
• Commemorative engraved plaque set into the I.C.E. door
• Double spaced door flute foams
• Embroidered seat backs
• Front spoiler with Bentley Eight styled mesh vents
• Heated rear seats
• Increased rear track
• Overlit front seat switches
• Polished stainless steel oval tail pipe finisher
• Polished stainless steel bumper inserts/finishers
• Polished stainless steel headlamps surrounds
• Progressing tinted glass
• Push button start, adjacent to the ignition key
• Reduced lock steering rack
• Roof mounted vanity mirrors
• Seat switch surround trimmed in hide
• Shaded tinted sundym windscreen
• Sony XRC900 I.C.E. system with Mission speakers
• Special black exterior badges
• Special inscribed sill plaques
• Special seats with increased side support and two colour trim with trim stitching
• Sports mode lock-up
• Sports steering wheel
• Styled air ducts to both front wings
• Triband aerial fitted
• Trimmed steering column cowl
• Turbo boost gauge is fitted to the Centre instrument panel
• Twin coloured gear selector
• Twin stitching to door arm rests
• VHS Video system with cordless headphones

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.