We Bought A Bentley Turbo R! It Broke Down IMMEDIATELY...

[@smoothmicra]

Lovely old car, a new alternator belt is no disaster. A bit of TLC will have it looking and driving like a million bucks. Got to enjoy cars like this while you still can, I'm saying you got lucky with the old girl, it doesn't look like she has had a hard life.

[@attilacsepe4946]

British car shortcomings notwithstanding, can the failure of a 30 year old belt really be blamed on those who designed and constructed the machine?

[@mattnbin]

Well in it can be blamed partly on the designers because they deleted the feature of earlier models that had double belts. My 1979 shadow had two identical belts running in tandem. An excellent idea that helps someway to prevent “failing to proceed” 😉

[@wholeNwon]

The belt may not have been original but it was certainly flimsy looking.

[@mscott3918]

I think the problem is that they have become affordable for many people to buy, but they can't really afford to maintain them properly. The first owner will be able to and usually the second. The problems generally start after that. I bought a 1965 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III as the second owner in 1982. I keep it properly maintained and the only major problem has been a new cylinder head gasket. I was advised that the cheapest option was to use it regularly, which I do.

[@be5952]

Are you still the owner today in 2021? :)

[@calderdale6795]

Same here Mr Scott. Also had a low mileage rust free SC3. Only changed the steering rubbers and rear dampers over many years . Once the car was laid up following my late wife’s illness , things started to deteriorate. Also had a head gasket go , but discovered the wrong anti freeze had been added after an engine flush. Worst problem was moths in the wool cloth headlining ! This was the best V8 in my opinion , before they stroked it to 6.75 litre. The L series engine was a good 50s design , but should have been replaced. There is a limit to what you can do to a wet liner , 2 valve push rod engine. I think you will agree the SC is not the easiest car to drive , so I bought a low mileage well maintained Green Label Arnage with the profit I made on the SC3. Turned out to be an excellent decision , but regular use is a must.

[@beemer1111]

I also had two of these back in the late nineties. They were regal solid cars, that were very well made and for me a pleasure to own and drive. Amazingly, they were excellent value in the used market, and cars like mine with very low miles, were still priced at a fraction of new value. I have a Continental GT now, and it is amazing. Same thing, they are available used with low miles for a fraction of their new value. With regular service, and You-Tube, I plan to keep mine running like new, with relatively modest operating costs.

[@andrewnorris5415]

Best warning light ever, "Suggested temporary reduction in proceedings".

[@adamskikijowski9139]

I bought a 1993 one in 2015. Spent more on it than purchase price. Got rid of coachlines and mud spats. Replace H4 units, did absolute loads. Still got it, Very long list of work but now a mighty car, Same colour.

[@billrea66]

I am the 13th owner of an '89 Turbo R also . It came to me 3 years ago with 42,000 kilometers on it . Having sat in it once , I bought it .So far the only major problen is the AC . We eventually found cracks in the hose welds . My project for this Spring.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Good luck!

[@stringer-ik1pc]

At last an honest owner and not just a dreamer. 👍👍👍

[@wholeNwon]

What car has 13 owners and only 42K? That alone says a LOT.

[@sanderslongdrive]

Owned a c1989 turboR for 3-4 years from about 2004. (paid £ 15k and sold for £15k). It was a very economic investment as it consistently returned 18 mpg and - bar a turbo rebuild - ran up next to no maintence costs bar basic servicing. It was a very nice car to drive, but not my favourite large saloon which was a LWB Jaguar XJ8 4 litre from the same era. The biggest joy for me was cleaning and polishing it; gazing at such a work of art; and the smell of polished vintage leather. Naturally, the older the Bentley the more expensive the spares and cars from this period are far less expensive than might be imagined. Buying in 2021 in the UK the biggest worry now has to be rot notwithstanding 17 layers of paint! Best to join a Bentley / RR enthusiasts' club and possibly buy a loved car lovingly maintained by an engineer. There are a significant number around. Be careful!

[@iandavenport413]

An alternator belt seems a lucky escape - all old cars you ensure there electrics(Plugs / Leads / Battery) and rubbers( Belts / Bushels ) are changed and generally you are in good order.

[@paulsz6194]

At 1:48 , he points out the” surface rust” on the Bezel of the headlight, which is minor, yet overlooks the rusted out reflector in the headlight immediately to the left of him?

[@wernerdanler2742]

Lol, you noticed that too?

[@paulsz6194]

@@wernerdanler2742 I’m glad I wasn’t the only one...

[@chrispenn715]

I had a Silver Shadow in the late '90s - it was typical of Rolls Royce and Bentley at the time - the previous owner was an estate agent!. Really enjoyed the car and luckily didn't have too much expense. It helped that I had a local chap who was an old fashioned 'motor engineer' - he mostly serviced Rolls Royce, Land Rovers and Jaguars in a workshop in his garden.... It was great fun to use for trips to the local rubbish tip, or to the chip shop. It was also great to take to business meetings. I worked for a large corporate company and security men at any site always thought I was the company chairman and couldn't be more helpful in finding me a parking space. :-)

[@highlandmalt6368]

Great video. Have to remember, this car is 32 years old. If they have bern maintained they are extremely reliable. Hopefully this is ultimately a good example for you.

[@rogerpritchard]

A Toyota is more reliable. But why not own one of these in your lifetime. Life is so terribly short. Accept it will cost you money, and you'll enjoy it!

[@mohammadcheema7375]

Absolutely love the colour combination on your turbo. These cars will seem like mythical beasts to the younger generation growing up with Teslas and other unspeakable iPads on wheels.

[@majordendrocopos]

These old gas guzzlers aren’t really like mythical beasts because mythical beasts never existed. More like dodos.

[@edwardsmith721]

It really resonates with me. I always think expensive and well known brand cars must be the best choice if one can afford. I bought a brand new Mercedes and I parked at the airport's long term parking lot for one month while I travel overseas on business. Mind you the long term car park is uncovered, which is located next to the runway here in Melbourne. When I returned and drive my car home, I noticed the dashboard has a few new cracks. So I asked my family what was the weather like while I was away. They said Melbourne was at 40 degree C for a full week. That means inside a car under the sun will reach 50+ degrees. So my believe that top brand expensive cars will never fail now goes down the drain. I no longer favor Mercedes from then onward.

[@wholeNwon]

How could you not know? German cars in general are utter trash. Well, that may be a slight over-statement. My company provided me with 2 new MB's in succession. Both were made in Germany. Both arrived with factory defects. In the second case, they resulted in major engine repairs within 2 wks of delivery. Both left me stranded several times. The dealer's loaner also stranded me once. Both had perfect maintenance by the dealer. The second one seized a bearing and separated a tie rod one day. I survived. A friend bought a new BMW 750iL. I think I got the #'s right. It has gone into "limp home" mode so often that his wife soon refused to get into the car.

[@usernamesreprise4068]

Rolls Royces official line back in the day on power output was actually "sufficient" , I served my time with Rolls Royce back in the Shadow days and was always amused by that reply.

[@MrTruth111]

or it goes like the wind

[@williamlilly3100]

If the belt is thrown again, check the pulley. It is in two parts and if the gasket between them deteriorates, the two parts spin at different speeds, eventually throwing the belt. Happened three times on my Arnage Red Label until the problem was spotted. It has the same pulley as the Turbo R.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks William, we'll take a look

[@anthonyprice5596]

Trust me, that's a minor problem, now I had a Lexus, which everyone would say was a reliable car, well that had a serpentine belt fail( due to a flint being embedded in it) it sliced it in two, but as it did so destroyed the radiator and cowling causing over £300 in damage and meaning I was without the car for a week. Those old belts do far less damage and really are a simple think to fix in comparison. In years gone by, your average AA man would carry a replacement, but due to progress and no two cars sharing the same belts it's no longer a quick on the road fix.....how wonderful modern cars are not!!

[@JohnRoy-gb6ur]

Just watched the video and ended up laughing. I purchased my 1997 Turbo R 5 days ago and has had two " breakdowns" so far! Yes, the belt failed and looked just like the one in the video, New battery is on order and, as the car had been laid up for a couple of years, "recommissioning" by the local Bentley agent has been organised. Best fun an old guy can have!

[@t9j6c6j51]

This brings back sweet and sour memories. My first Bentley was an 88 Turbo R, gave me heartache and happiness over the years. They certainly are an acquired taste.

[@robinburn4974]

I like the way he said oh I think we have a problem while thinking sh(t what have I bought 😂

[@barrybarnes96]

There's a little switch just to the left of the headlights switch which is marked "Drain Bank Acct".

[@mattnbin]

Strange. My Silver Shadow came with double belts as standard. Just in case one failed. Looks like RR attention to detail had started to relax by the late 90s.

[@peterwilliamson8721]

I read somewhere that many of these high end luxury vehicle can be looking at as much as 20,000 in postponed maintenance, for what may seem like a bargain at the time the parts price foe say a Bently corresponds with it's initial 400,000 dollar price tag and not for example it's current black book value of say 50,000.

[@tomporter2164]

i had one years ago --brilliant comfortable car--lambs wool carpets the lot. mpg rather silly

[@adrianoclincho1852]

Hope you get her running one heavy motor but looks like it owns the road when moving great channel guys good luck

[@stuartbear922]

Seeing that the tape deck works this is a good omen.

[@mongo4511]

Got me hooked. Now subscribed and eagerly awaiting part two! Good luck.🤞

[@wayne59]

Same as.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Welcome along! We shot another video with the Bentley last week, so stay tuned...

[@justbac]

I've been on a Turbo R kick the past few days and this was recommended to me. Didn't realize it was a new video. Subscribed and looking forward to more!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Justin, we've just shot another video with the Turbo R!

[@rajnirvan3336]

This was one of the last best of Bentley and Rolls Royce models

[@jettrink7510]

I believe you made a good purchase... new belt, general maintenance it will be okay

[@MrFlyingguy]

what a channel, just found you,,,,, sure you will be popular....subbed... I'm an avid Harry's fan, furious driving, this week with cars, tyrells workshop and hub nut follower. you'll fit in fine.

[@Elkott]

Anyone who watches Hoovies videos knows buying an old Bentley is a bad idea

[@trigsretromotors]

Now this is the content I watch KZbin for!

[@thankyouforyourcommentbut9698]

I had an E reg (1988) Turbo R bought in 2005 and it gave me 10 years of fun motoring despite the scenario of head gasket going (top off and £5K later to get it sorted - via and mate - so that was v cheap...) I'm tempted to get another despite the hassles because it was such fun. Every journey was an event - everyone you knew spotted you when you were out, and everyone loved the fact that you had one. Went to the South of France in it on a "drive-down" to a property conference in Cannes. Surrounded by new Ferraris and Porches, but everyone noticed the Bentley (I bought it for £13,000)! I went Le Touquet for a New Years Eve dinner with friends at a hotel, and when I pulled up, they insisted I parked it slap bang in front of the Hotel. Great times - but a money pit... I now have a 640 BMW day car and get 36 miles to the gallon if not b etter. The thought of going back to 13 mpg (although it did 16 mpg at 90 mph on the motorway to the South of France) is also another reason that puts me off.... I have a TVR Chimaera 4.0l and even that gives me 24 mpg

[@pogmothoin1342]

I was the proud owner of a Rolls Canardly, it rolled down the hill and canardly make it up the other side I do like the Bentley, a bit of rust here, a bit of aluminium porosity there, a bit under the weather, hey it could be my new Turbo R Bently Bit more, cheers from Florida.

[@periannesmith3358]

such a great video - you guys are brilliant. can't wait for part two!

[@wildbill8517]

How much???

[@oddities-whatnot]

Used to drive one of these now and then 30 years ago. Used to get about 10-12 mpg if I remember.

[@autoeclectic8808]

Absolutely delightful.

[@stephendangelo1614]

Like all cars - every brand has a “lemon”. I have a 1989 Bentley Turbo R and a 1997 Bentley Turbo R and honestly, they run circles around all these new cars that lack the class and personality. You need to find a good example of one that has been properly maintained….and their reliability will be better then any “new” kring car that is out there.

[@andrewhughes7092]

A new belt and battery! I had the same problem in 1983 with my Morris Marina. :-)

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

With any luck, ours is just as cheap to run...

[@topbanana4013]

only mrk3 i likes was the white XR3. i worked on hundreds of them complete rust buckets they even rot under front window seal bottom that forms a hole that leaks into the bulkhead and that was on cars less then 4 years old

[@jimmysparks315]

How much did you pay for this car ?

[@andrewnorris5415]

Love the interior. Change all the belts and hoses.

[@lutomson3496]

I had one for a brief moment the front suspension collapsed on the way home from the dealer and It went back everybody I know that has had one has had problems with suspension, brakes, oil leaks, electrical everything...good luck

[@falchoon]

'adequate' power from a 1980's -1990's Bentley turns out to be the same as a naturally aspirated 2011 Lexus IS350, with an extra ton to lug around. Amazing. I shall no longer look at one in awe.

[@ChicagoItalian]

It’s all about the torque…this car has 500 + ft. Lbs.

[@josephbingham1255]

So what happened? Did something freeze up that the belt was turning alternator, water pump air conditioner that caused the belt to tear up like that??

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

We'd put money on it being an old belt past its sell by date :/

[@danisuper98]

4:11 it looks like you are missing a vacuum line to the fuel pressure damper

[@MrWoofie62]

I'm very impressed with your new motor and look forward to further updates on this beautiful piece of British engineering. I'm now a new subscriber as well!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Welcome along! 😁

[@Bod8998]

That and the shadows from late 60s shadow 2:the best amazing shape best car in the world .Rolls the best for me😍

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Check out our Silver Shadow and Spirit videos if you fancy!

[@animalcol1]

Great start to some fun. Subscribed!

[@daweshorizon]

Big bills imminent. Only thirty seconds into this video. Watching with interest.

[@MrMarkhall1]

Let's see it fixed, did get the repairs done? Make any money on it?

[@alexmorgan3435]

Shaped like an oil tanker you will need an oil tanker to keep it running. This will end in tears.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Let's hope not... 😅

[@mikeash1978]

You purchased a Bentley Turbo sight unseen, over the internet... Better you than me. (Whew!) :-)

[@ericwilliams2122]

What's the "gallons per mile?"

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

We dread to think...

[@gerardrambert8271]

you are such an optimistic gentleman,bravo!

[@matthewgodwin3050]

People love to knock the build quality and reliability of old British cars, and sometimes, not unreasonably. However, the year 2000 onwards BMW's durability is hardly anything to write home about either, is it.

[@paulpalmtree9295]

Absolutely right, BMW and Mercedes Benz don’t have the quality They once had.

[@Bod8998]

Very nice car last of the good shape

[@nigelfarley814]

Is that the car off Wheeler Dealers about ten years ago?

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Wheeler Dealers covered a Mulsanne Turbo, this is the Turbo R 😁

[@georgepom328]

I hope there is more the podcast as it's very intresting

[@ofmanynicknames]

Is there a Bentley-specific variation on the Rolls-Royce euphemism "failure to proceed", or given the era is it just the same but spoken slightly more quickly?

[@jt-bg6ey]

Just found this channel it's awesome instantly pressed subscribe 👍

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Joshua, welcome along! 😁

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

My old boss bought one of these new back in the 1980’s. He much preferred his Daimler Jag though.

[@nathanlewis5682]

He obviously didn't see hoovies garage and car wizard and how much of a pain in the ass those Bentley and Rolls Royce cars can be($$$$$$$) to keep up operational.

[@Richard-pe4cx]

i can see a lot of rust coming through was this owned or parked near the sea

[@fredbobberts5753]

Exactly what I thought

[@andythesoupdragon]

Seen the ebay listing. Quite a bargain & no disaster just yet.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Here's hoping it stays that way!

[@stevenlangdon-griffiths293]

I’ve always thought about buying a turbo R . They are going cheap these days. I wouldn’t of considered that particular car due to what I could see in 5 minutes. What mystery is waiting underneath? Good video thanks

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Have a look at our “Everything Wrong With Our Bentley” video, Steven ;)

[@Atombender]

British youngtimers never fail to disappoint.

[@Treviscoe]

I'll bet the passing drivers were laughing 6:41

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

We weren't.... 😅

[@paullacey2999]

It hasnt broken down.Its just failed to proceed......lovely old bus tho!

[@zakris]

6:12 the sun? Where? Must be Britain's definition of sunny weather! :D

[@johanbrand8601]

True. There's literally not a sign of sunshine anywhere 😂 Holy shit, I thought that part was meant as a joke 🤣

[@daweshorizon]

Hope you win the lottery. Genuinely.

[@h.google]

With 10 failed MOT's in since 2006, it's not surprising to see it break down, is it?

[@trimmerman1]

I heard it cost $5000.00/year to maintain a Rolls/Bentley. I consider that pitiful. Not just because of the cost, but because that could only mean it is unreliable. But Hell! That car? I would frame the registration and put it on the wall in my house. Take a million pictures. I would put it on a trailer, take it places, and hang out in it. The one upgrade I would recommend besides a new battery is a good stereo.

[@bruceshaw2402]

You should have checked out Hoovies garage on KZbin he has just spent a kings ransom on one of these and it was constantly in the garage , it was still playing up when he sold it ( he couldn't give it away )

[@starsnstuff842]

Never buy a car until you look underneath. Easily visible rust on the bodywork is not so as important as corrosion on the chassis and suspension crossmembers in hard to see areas under the car. .

[@frankbing1]

Sight unseen over the internet, thought I was watching VVG for a minute. 🤣😂

[@twinsonic]

I'll be dipped

[@chrispritchard4676]

You guys are brave! I have tackled numerous classics over the years, but would never take on a Rolls or Bentley. Most enjoyable video though. Looking forward to your progressive story.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Chris! Plenty more to come with videos and in Classics Monthly magazine!

[@wholeNwon]

But you don't understand: They are "The best motorcars in the world." British car makers wouldn't lie, would they?

[@ronniewilson6597]

Will own one of these hopefully.

[@yup.4901]

My brother has a 1991 Brooklands in the same Cobalt blue. It's lovely but an absolute money pit. It has full RR service history and every bill, receipt and piece of paper for everything ever bought for it so it's the kind anyone would buy. But it needs money thrown at it seemingly every single day of the week. I'm not saying "don't buy one" but be prepared for constant wallet dipping 💰 For example, shock absorbers are about a grand each plus fitting. 😱

[@ianfleet2376]

Oh Dear me It’s a lack of maintenance I worked for RR and Bentley in the Crewe plant from. 1985 to 1994 I worked in the road test department. Ensuring these cars were up to final mechanical Quality. Prior to them leaving the factory The quality of this product was the best in the world once leaving the factory This is a lack of maintenance

[@afandou1966]

Much better than having a hidden alternator problem.

[@jonathansimmons5353]

That could happen to anycar. Even rac inspected.

[@arthurblundell6128]

Turbo going would probably cost a lot more than the car itsself !!

[@antielite5379]

If ever there was a tape cassette designed for that car

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Seems appropriate, doesn't it?

[@SSGTA440]

When that car starts to "go south"....the costs of fixing it will be nuts....a massive money pit... It should be a good entry for the demo derby or as you Brits call it, banger races....

[@richarddutchholland4780]

My boss had one in red with cream interior around 1992 and it was so bad it was sold and he picked up a BMW 750il and that was awesome

[@benfel9403]

To be fair, that is probably neglected ownership not an untrustworthy car.. :)

[@wholeNwon]

Yeah, right. Ridiculous engineering and poor/nonexistent "quality control".

[@404040h]

Lol did exactly the same in November of last year. Bought unseen off the web. 1997 Turbo R .. The ride is terrible! Like really terrible.. But I don’t care..The car is an “occasion”. Every time I take it out (and yes it’s my daily) it makes you feel very special... Ask me in 12 months though lol.

[@adamskikijowski9139]

I wonder if your active ride is faulty and you're in sport mode. Mine is a really good ride. Eventually!!

[@404040h]

@@adamskikijowski9139 what was wrong with it.?

[@adamskikijowski9139]

@@404040h a chip in one of the ECU'S don't know which was faulty. This defaulted the suspension to Sports. A message on the DIP kept pinging Active Ride. The chip was changed and all good. You could also have issues with the rear spheres or dampers. Quite frankly a good Independent RR garage will diagnose it. They say once rhe rear goes stiff/hard don't drive it.

[@antiochiaadtaurum3786]

Quite orthogonal to the mechanical orientation of this video, does anyone else feel that blue piping doesn't really go with beige leather?

[@martinkennedy2400]

...beautiful, beautiful car well worth the risk

[@SparkyGage]

Used cars buying 101: All used cars will need 500 dollars (or pounds) or 10% of the purchase price (whichever is greater) in maintenance and an additional 10% of the purchase price in repairs. These are the minimums.

[@want2cLOTS]

Gents - interesting video, let's see how you get on. Meantime, I have a question for you. Prior to the internet, pretty much all of the buying advice for many years said to buy on condition, not mileage. Yet since the advent of online buying, it seems many people can't resist going for the lowest mileage example that meets their budget. So, what's your advice?

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Many people are, of course, tempted by the lower number on the odometer presumably equating to lack of mechanical wear. In this case, the Bentley's lack of mileage for its age could well be the reason for our breakdown - would a more regularly used car have a newer belt on it? With anything beyond 20 years old, we'd advise to buy on condition, unless the car has intergalactic mileage. Much like a new project car we've bought that you'll see soon...

[@Beetlefan]

@@ClassicsWorldUK it should have 2 Belts on the car a back up one if one fails, at least that’s what my silver spirit has

[@robertsemple299]

yes, yes very interesting. How much was it?

[@performancedownunder5773]

Don't pay in anything less than guineas when you have it repaired, have to keep your end up now old boy!

[@TheJoesmoe1987]

Can’t believe how local you guys are recognise those roads ! il keep an eye out for some classics don’t see many usually round here apart from ours 🌝

[@grahamsmith2022]

"Michael Crawford sings Andrew Lloyd Webber",how about I send you a 'Cannibal Corpse' cassette?😁✌👍

[@nathanlewis5682]

Instead of Pit of Zombies, there should be a song called Pit of Repairs. "🎵 Rip out my wallet and tear up my bank card!"

[@paulnorcross5954]

Oh Dear....I was expecting something catastrophic with such a dramatic headline.....

[@francis2811]

Change your coolant every year - cylinder head gasket replacement is not cheap!