Footnotes

"The way the Turbo RT procures effortless urge from a handful of revs is something you never quite get used to. The seamless urge and sublime smoothness of the four-speed auto, on the other hand, are addictive." – Autocar.

Capitalising on the essentially bespoke nature of its manufacturing, Rolls-Royce introduced a host of limited edition variations on the modern 'Blower Bentley' theme in the 1990s. One of the very last of these was the Turbo RT Mulliner, a variation of the Turbo RT. Introduced in July 1997 on the previously optional, but now standard, longer wheelbase of the Bentley Turbo RL, the Turbo RT came with the 400bhp twin-turbo engine of the two-door Continental T installed, and was outwardly distinguishable by a new mesh radiator grille and body-coloured bumpers with bright mesh inserts. Performance was breathtaking: with a top speed of around 152mph (245km/h), the ultra-luxurious Turbo RT was one of the world's fastest four-door saloons, its 590lb/ft of torque humbling the Chrysler Viper V10 and endowing it with acceleration on a par with the most exotic of Italian supercars. Of course, the Bentley came with a price tag to match, costing £148,990 (approximately €170,000) in the UK when launched.

The stunning looking Mulliner version (built to special order only) was even more exclusive - and expensive - boasting a 420bhp engine, widened track and bodywork, and a host of highly desirable options. One of the rarer of the modern 'Blower Bentleys', the Turbo RT was produced during 1997 and 1998 only with approximately 300 being made. Only 56 were the Mulliner version, all but one being built on the long wheelbase, with 39 completed in left-hand drive configuration. It is not known how many of the latter were to European specification like this example, but it must have been relatively few. In short: offered here is a bespoke, limited-edition car engineered and coachbuilt to the highest standards.

This stunning Bentley Turbo RT Mulliner was delivered new to Switzerland having been ordered by the vendor to his personal and unique specifications, its sole owner, whose name is recorded on the kick plates. In addition to the already comprehensive array of standard equipment, the owner specified a dashboard-mounted turbocharger boost gauge, rear-compartment speedometer, unique laser cut single piece radiator grill. The car has covered circa 71,000 kilometres from new and has always been maintained by Bentley main dealer service centres. Finished in blue with cream leather interior, it comes with its stamped service booklet and a Swiss Carte Grise.