[2] It initially inherited the turbocharged engine from the Mulsanne Turbo and also sported a retuned suspension and wider tyres on aluminium alloy wheels, a first for a Bentley.

[4] Development on improving handling had already begun when Mike Dunn was appointed engineering director in Crewe in February 1983, but instead of the proposed ten per cent increase in roll stiffness, he demanded 50%.

In October 1986, for the 1987 model year, the Turbo R received anti-lock brakes and new Bosch MK-Motronic fuel injection to replace the Solex carburetors.

There was also a special version for the German market, the "Turbo R Sport", which featured the Continental T's sporty alloys and carbon-fibre, rather than walnut, panels inside.

Effectively a stop-gap model before the introduction of the New Turbo R, just 60 units were produced making it the rarest of the Bentley SZ Series of cars, distributed across selected European, Middle Eastern and Asian markets and customers only.

The engine termed a Blackpool version used Bosch Motronic fuel injection and digital ignition derived from Formula 1 technology, and with a larger exhaust driven Garrett AirResearch turbocharger with intercooler.

Performance was sufficient: with a top speed limited to 150 mph (241 km/h), the ultra-luxurious Turbo RT was as fast as the sporting German luxury saloons of the time.

Visually, Mulliners have more aerodynamic, rounded bumpers with prominent venting and often foglamps, as well as flared wings to accommodate the wider track and larger 18-inch alloy wheels, sitting on low-profile 255/55 tyres.