I got Bent! | FerrariChat

I got Bent!

Discussion in 'British' started by bergxu, Dec 27, 2010.

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  1. bergxu

    bergxu Formula 3

    Aug 16, 2005
    1,307
    OnTheSerpentMound
    Full Name:
    Aaron
    #1 bergxu, Dec 27, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Well, what with all of the Bentley discussions going on around here, and after much regret at having sold my '89 a while back, I decided to stick this '96 Turbo R in my garage for Christmas. It's Masons Black with Grey leather, piped in Black. I'm still deciding whether I like the aesthetic "improvements" over the older car, although admittedly I do prefer this car's floor shift over the early car's column change. And it's got some other niceties such as a sport mode for the trans, heated seats (yep, the '89s didn't have them, believe it or not), Zytec injection/engine management and of course, RR's much lauded (and feared) Active Ride suspension. I do prefer the earlier car's more classic side mirrors, but I am pleased that I now have more than two types of tire to choose from for this car when the time comes, thanks to having 17" wheels as standard, rather than the earlier 15". Fortunately, we have all of the necessary tools in-house to do anything on these cars, and I'm going to embark on a major service this week and sort a few little fiddly issues with the HVAC system, but other than that, I'm quite pleased to be back riding on those wonderful Bentley "thrones"!

    Cheers,
    Aaron
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  2. kevfla

    kevfla Formula 3

    Nov 20, 2003
    2,086
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    gone 4 good
    Nicer looking front end than the early Arnages with the bubble-covered headlights!

    Aaron, are the grill slats thermostatically-controlled (ie. closed to bring up engine temps when cold, open when engine is up to temp)? I know Duesenbergs & early Rolls had that feature (right, Mr G?) and that could have been typical for many cars of the period.

    Beautiful motorcar! Post some interior photos when you get a chance. Thanks for the X-300 door panel tips.

    KevFla
     
  3. bergxu

    bergxu Formula 3

    Aug 16, 2005
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    Aaron
    Kevin,

    Thanks for the comments! The grille slats are not thermostatically controlled, but you are correct in that cars of old did have that feature. Will post some interior shots tomorrow. That one, I had just snapped on my phone to send to my insurance company ;)

    And no problem on the Jag info! Let me know if I can be of further help..

    Cheers,
    Aaron
     
  4. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 15, 2006
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    AG
    Congrats, that's a nice car, love the Turbo R's!
     
  5. 76Steel

    76Steel Formula 3

    Sep 8, 2007
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    Mike
    #5 76Steel, Dec 27, 2010
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2010
    Aaron,

    Nice!! There is just something majestic about them.
     
  6. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
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    Dr. Dumb Ass
    #6 judge4re, Dec 27, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  7. bergxu

    bergxu Formula 3

    Aug 16, 2005
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    Aaron
    Judge;

    Ahh, that's right. Forgot you had gotten Bent too ;)

    That's an Eight or a Mulsanne? Can't remember, but the grille and headlamps partly give it away.

    And yes, mine saw snow too. I'll be damned though, if I couldn't get it to hook up with a dusting on the ground....all that torque :D
     
  8. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
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    Mulsanne S, fun car; would have been more fun with the torque and more snow on the roads...
     
  9. bergxu

    bergxu Formula 3

    Aug 16, 2005
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    Aaron
  10. Arvin Grajau

    Arvin Grajau Seven Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 7, 2006
    78,325
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    Arvin Grajau
    nice car the last of them
     
  11. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
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    Dr. Dumb Ass
    No, planning on keeping it stock, the chrome trim is subtle.
     
  12. ClassicFerrari

    ClassicFerrari F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 7, 2004
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    Vasco
    Congrats Aaron! I love these R's!
     
  13. SuperVixen

    SuperVixen Formula Junior

    Jan 8, 2007
    362
    San Francisco
    Full Name:
    Super Vixen
    Congrats! Bentleys are such wonderful car, especially the hand built ones. The only kicker with the older ones, pre 2004 Continental launch, is maintenance and parts. They can be picked up at fairly reasonable prices, but taking care of it can add up. The old British technology was lacking in many ways. You could bring it back from a major service today and then something goes wrong anyway. Very unpredictable. Plus, finding parts can be tricky. I think patience is important when owning these types of cars. Unfortunately I need tough cars I can beat up on. I'm fairly rough on my vehicles as far as driving and pushing limits go. I'm safe, but I need reliability and umph 24/7. Best of luck to you and your new Brit. ;)
     

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