Description

The Bentley Brooklands, introduced in 1992, was a luxury saloon designed to offer a slightly more understated and traditional alternative to the high-performance Turbo R. Named after the historic Brooklands motor racing circuit in Surrey, England, the car was a tribute to Bentley’s heritage while catering to a clientele who valued refinement over raw speed.

At its core, the Brooklands featured the classic 6.75-litre Rolls-Royce V8 engine, paired initially with a three-speed automatic gearbox, later updated to a four-speed. Unlike its turbocharged siblings, the original Brooklands was naturally aspirated, delivering smooth and relaxed performance rather than aggressive acceleration. This made it ideal for comfortable long-distance cruising, emphasizing Bentley’s strength in delivering effortless power and sublime ride quality.

The car shared its basic architecture and bodywork with the Mulsanne and Eight models but came with a distinctively elegant interior. As expected of Bentley, the cabin was swathed in hand-stitched leather, deep walnut veneers, and wool carpets, creating an atmosphere of timeless British luxury. Attention to detail was evident throughout, from the organ stop air vents to the finely crafted switchgear.

Visually, the Brooklands maintained Bentley’s stately, imposing silhouette with a large chrome grille, quad headlamps, and a formal three-box design. It had a dignified, almost regal presence on the road, reflecting the brand’s old-world charm during a transitional era for the company.

In 1996, Bentley introduced a more powerful Brooklands R variant with a light-pressure turbocharger, aimed at bridging the gap between the standard model and the more aggressive Turbo R. This version retained the car’s gentlemanly demeanor while offering a boost in performance and sharper dynamics.

The Brooklands was eventually phased out in 1998 as Bentley streamlined its lineup under new ownership by Volkswagen. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by its more flamboyant stablemates, the Brooklands is remembered fondly for its understated elegance, classic craftsmanship, and its role in maintaining Bentley’s identity during a period of change.