Bentley shows limited-run Mulsanne
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 13th Jul 2018
BENTLEY has prepared for its 100th anniversary next year by paying tribute to its founding father, W.O. Bentley, with a limited-edition version of its Mulsanne luxury sedan fettled by the brand’s Mulliner customisation division.
Called the W.O. Edition, only 100 examples of the special car will be built, each based upon any of the Mulsanne’s existing variants.
Designers have taken inspiration from W.O. Bentley’s personal favourite vehicle, a 1930 Bentley featuring an 8.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine.
From the outside, enthusiasts can distinguish the W.O. Edition by its black Onyx paintwork (other colours can be optioned), chrome bonnet strip and Flying B hood ornament, optional chrome radiator shell and grille, discreet W.O. Bentley signature badging on the lower bumper, and Beluga black alloy rims.
The centrepiece of the interior is the illuminated cocktail cabinet, with all 100 examples featuring a slice of the 1930 Bentley’s crankshaft embedded in the cabinet behind a display window. An inscription detailing its significance is also included.
A marquetry graphic featuring the old model’s front fascia is included, created using a four different types of wood and a number of different veneers and materials including aluminium on the silver elements. W.O.’s signature also features.
Other interior highlights include Fireglow lambswool rugs, glass tumblers, rear privacy curtains and a rear-seat entertainment system.
No changes have been made to the Mulsanne’s hulking powerplant, a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 377kW/1020Nm or 485kW/1100Nm in the more performance-oriented Speed, both of which drive the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The original 8 Litre model was restored in 2006 and now resides in the Bentley Motors Lineage Exhibition at the company’s headquarters in Crewe, England.
California’s Monterey Car Week will mark the W.O. Edition’s public debut in August, while customer deliveries will kick off in 2019, the year of the brand’s centenary.
