Recent time spent in Bentley's new Continental GT has reminded me of the benefits of large, comfortable cars with accessible, torquey power delivery. And, while the new Conti may be a significant improvement on the model it replaces, its ethos is one which has underscored almost every car Bentley has made in its 99 year history - especially since its acquisition by Rolls-Royce in 1931.
With it safe to assume that the new model is out of reach, though, classified searches must be broad indeed to unearth the kind of car we're looking for. An older Continental just won't cut it, the footballer-on-a-budget vibe being somewhat contrary to the aim of the exercise. Back to the pre-VW days it is then, and back to the Bentley Turbo R.
Powered by a 6.8-litre turbocharged (obviously) V8, the Turbo R produces 300hp and nearly 500lb ft of torque, enough to propel it from 0-60mph in a thoroughly sufficient seven seconds. The four-speed automatic gearbox featured on our Spotted is the same one which can be found in the Aston Martin DB7 and Jaguar XJR, which should make finding a replacement easier if anything goes wrong.
Perhaps oxymoronically for a 2,400kg slab of hardwood and steel, the R stood for 'Roadholding'. To live up to its name, it was fitted with stiffer, lower suspension, a Panhard rod and anti-roll bar rates increased by 60 per cent up front and 80 per cent in the rear. It also has a claim to fame as the first ever Bentley to sport alloy wheels.
This long wheelbase version should make for ultimate barging and, despite 2.1 metre width, the Turbo R is actually a remarkably easy car to place on a narrow road. It's a package that offers refinement, pace and desirability that'll be hard to beat for the money. That said, there's a Turbo R for every budget.
Should things be a little tight then for a few thousand pounds less this earlier car could be yours. More money to spend? Then the Turbo RT, with 400hp and a production run of just 250 cars is up for nearly double the price of our Spotted. Whichever option you choose, though, you'll never need more car than a Turbo R.
SPECIFICATION: BENTLEY TURBO R
Engine: 6,800cc turbo V8
Transmission: 4-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 300
Torque (lb ft): 490
MPG: Very few
CO2: Many
First registered: 1997
Recorded mileage: 64,000
Yours for: £16,990
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