Matt LeBlanc Bentley Turbo R: If you remember the Matt LeBlanc era of Top Gear, this unique 1988 Bentley Turbo R might bring back some memories. Featured in the 2019 Top Gear episode (Series 26, Episode 4), this green Bentley was driven by LeBlanc on a race track, showing off its power and elegance at high speed. Now, this car is available for purchase, allowing you the chance to own a piece of TV history. Let’s take a closer look at the details of this incredible vehicle.
1988 Bentley Turbo R Overview
This 1988 Bentley Turbo R is powered by the iconic 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine, which originally produced around 300 horsepower. Although it’s difficult to know if it still maintains that full power output, considering the car’s history with Top Gear and its modifications, it remains a collector’s dream. With 107,099 miles on the clock, the car has seen some action, including being raced at Silverstone during the filming of Top Gear.
The Bentley Turbo R was a luxury sedan designed to combine Bentley’s classic elegance with performance capabilities, boasting a refined interior and a solid powertrain. This particular model was one of the most popular of its era and remains a highly sought-after collector’s item. The car’s sheer luxury, paired with its performance capabilities, makes it a fascinating example of Bentley’s engineering from the late 1980s.
Features:
- Engine: 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine
- Power: Approximately 300 horsepower (original spec)
- Mileage: 107,099 miles
- Condition: “Good overall,” with wear and tear from Top Gear filming
- Modifications: Race-prepped with a front splitter, rear diffuser, and a gutted interior
- Location: Farnham, close to the Dunsfold Test Track (home of Top Gear)
Matt LeBlanc Bentley Turbo R Performance & Driving Experience
The Bentley Turbo R, known for its luxurious and smooth ride, also offered impressive power for its time. The 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 engine was mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission, allowing for a relatively smooth yet exhilarating driving experience. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds, which was quick for a luxury sedan in the late 1980s.
On Top Gear, Matt LeBlanc took the car to Silverstone, demonstrating its capabilities, albeit in a slightly altered form after being modified for the show’s challenges. While it’s not clear how much of the car’s original power remains, the modifications, which include a lowered suspension, front splitter, and rear diffuser, suggest that it may handle more like a race car than a traditional luxury sedan.
Performance Specifications:
- Engine Type: 6.75-liter turbocharged V8
- Transmission: 3-speed automatic
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 6.1 seconds
- Top Speed: 140 mph (estimated)
- Suspension: Modified for racing with lowered stance
Matt LeBlanc Bentley Turbo R Exterior and Design
The car’s exterior is still in its striking green color, though it’s not without some battle scars. There are several dings and creases on the bodywork, with some Bentley emblems missing, and the paint has scuffs from the racing scenes. The car has been lowered, giving it a sportier stance, but otherwise, it remains mostly stock, aside from the racing modifications.
This model’s iconic body design has stood the test of time, with sleek lines, a commanding front grille, and classic Bentley styling that demands attention. The exterior modifications, including the aggressive front splitter and rear diffuser, were added to enhance its aerodynamic capabilities and improve performance on the track.
Exterior Highlights:
- Color: Green (with noticeable wear and scuffs from filming)
- Body Style: 4-door sedan with classic Bentley design
- Modifications: Front splitter, rear diffuser, lowered suspension for performance
Matt LeBlanc Bentley Turbo R Interior
As you’d expect from a car that was gutted for a Top Gear challenge, the interior is mostly stripped. The luxurious leather seats, polished wood trim, and plush features Bentley is known for are no longer present, having been removed for weight-saving and racing functionality. What remains is a stark, race-prepped interior, including some minimalistic elements like the racing seat and stripped-out paneling.
The car’s interior was once an epitome of comfort and luxury, with Bentley’s signature attention to detail. The leather upholstery, wooden accents, and plush carpet made it a top-tier vehicle for the wealthy in the 1980s. However, after the extensive modifications for filming, the interior is now purely utilitarian, with the focus shifted to performance over luxury.
Interior Highlights:
- Seats: Stripped out for racing with minimalistic racing seat
- Materials: Wood and leather elements removed for weight-saving
- Overall Feel: Gutted for racing, with no traditional luxury elements remaining
Matt LeBlanc Bentley Turbo R Price Details & Auction Information
This iconic Bentley Turbo R is currently being auctioned by Car & Classic, starting on March 14. However, due to its extensive modifications for filming, it’s important to note that Car & Classic cannot verify if the car remains road legal. This car’s unique history on Top Gear adds an extra layer of appeal for collectors.
While the auction listing doesn’t include a specific estimate, cars with significant TV or movie history often fetch higher prices, especially when they come with such a recognizable legacy. Given the rarity of Top Gear memorabilia like this, it’s expected to be highly sought after by both car enthusiasts and fans of the show. Keep in mind, though, that the car’s condition—modified for racing and showing wear—may impact its final bid.
Interested buyers should be prepared for potential bidding wars, especially since this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | 1988 Bentley Turbo R |
| Engine | 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp (original spec) |
| Mileage | 107,099 miles |
| Color | Green (with scuffs and dings) |
| Interior | Stripped out, gutted for racing |
| Exterior | Modifications include front splitter, rear diffuser, lowered stance |
| Auction Date | March 14, 2025 |
| Location | Farnham, UK |
| Price Estimate | To be determined through auction |
| Top Gear Legacy | Featured in Matt LeBlanc’s Top Gear episode |
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Matt LeBlanc’s Bentley Turbo R Conclusion
This Bentley Turbo R is more than just a car; it’s a piece of Top Gear history that any enthusiast would be lucky to own. With its connection to Matt LeBlanc and the Top Gear challenge, it’s sure to be a unique addition to any collection. If you’re looking for a collector’s item with a twist, this might just be your chance. Keep an eye on the auction on March 14, 2025, and be ready to place your bid!
Don’t miss out on this iconic car, blending classic Bentley luxury with a touch of TV magic! If you’re a fan of Top Gear or simply a Bentley aficionado, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
