Bentley Turbo R Drophead Coupé Pininfarina

Vehicle Overview

The Bentley Turbo R was one of the most desirable cars of its era, impressing enthusiasts with a combination of luxurious interior appointments and approximately 300 horsepower performance. Despite its appeal, the production model did not include an open-top variant, primarily due to engineering challenges posed by its substantial 2,450-kilogram weight and considerable length. These factors made the development of a convertible version prohibitively expensive for mass production. However, the Brunei Royal Family, known for their affinity for bespoke luxury vehicles, sought to overcome this limitation. Through Alfred Tan, they commissioned a limited run of meticulously crafted two- and four-door convertibles. In 1990, Alfred Tan arranged for Peter Ward, then CEO of Bentley and Rolls-Royce, to fly from London to Turin. The meeting with Sergio Pininfarina led to the creation of two distinct convertible versions of the Turbo R, comprising two-door and four-door variants. One of each was reportedly intended for Brunei, while one of the two-door convertibles, the car in question, remained with Hong Seh Motors. The cost of the conversion was substantial, estimated at $1,000,000 SGD. A related invoice dated 30 November 1992 records a partial payment of 300,000 Lire. Historical photographs document the discussions between Bentley, Pininfarina, and the owner, as well as the extensive work undertaken to transform the four-door saloon into an elegant drophead coupe. The process involved significant alterations to the coachwork, including the installation of a sophisticated, electrically operated soft-top roof, which was an engineering achievement on par with the craftsmanship of the bespoke bodywork. This particular example was elegantly finished in black with a matching black leather interior. Following completion at Pininfarina, chassis 44366 was personally tested by the owner on the toll roads between Turin and Milan before being shipped to Singapore, where it became part of a private collection. Contrary to some accounts, this car was not built for a Singaporean owner but rather for Brunei. The Hong Seh company, which managed car transactions for the Sultanate, handled the vehicle, and it is believed that the not specifically named Singaporean owner was likely the company itself or one of its directors. The car remained in the collection until 2022, when it was returned to the United Kingdom for restoration at marque specialist P&A Wood. A comprehensive refurbishment followed, with a total expenditure of £76,057 to return the car to showroom condition, including engine, braking, and suspension work, as well as roof repairs. Further work was performed in January 2023, with an additional £23,343 spent on a gearbox rebuild, steering system overhaul, fuel tank repair, and more. In June 2023, another £18,825 was invested, primarily for additional hood repairs. This unique Bentley Turbo R, still retaining its matching-numbers engine, stands as a testament to Pininfarina’s craftsmanship and the visionary ambition of its original owner. Beautifully maintained, lightly driven, and extensively prepared for sale, it exemplifies the artistic and engineering prowess involved in creating this singular piece of automotive history.