BENTLEY will mark the end of an era as it brings to a close production of the vehicle recognised as the summit of automotive luxury, the Mulsanne, celebrating more than a decade of its flagship vehicle, with a unique 6.75 Edition.
The final example of the Mulsanne was completed this week, signifying the end of an illustrious and extraordinary lifespan that saw more than 7,300 examples handcrafted at Bentley’s home in Crewe, Cheshire.
An image of the penultimate customer car – a Mulsanne Speed ‘6.75 Edition by Mulliner’ finished in Rose Gold over Tungsten, is featured in this story. It’s headed to a lucky customer in the USA.
One extremely special, final Mulsanne remains behind the penultimate car – however, its future home remains a closely guarded secret. The Mulsanne’s lineage can be traced back through Bentley’s history, from the original 8 Litre of 1930.
“The Mulsanne is the culmination of all that we at Bentley have learnt during our first 100 years in producing the finest luxury cars in the world,” Bentley chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark said.
“As the flagship of our model range for over a decade, the Mulsanne has firmly solidified its place in the history of Bentley as nothing less than a true icon,” he added.
“I am immensely proud of the hundreds of designers, engineers and craftspeople that brought the Mulsanne to life over the last ten years.”
The Mulsanne, in its Speed form, is powered by a 6.75-litre V8 engine, delivering 395 kW of power and 1,100Nm of torque. It offers a selectable driver-focused sports suspension system and steering and steering package.
In 2020, the final series production cars form the unique ‘6.75 Edition by Mulliner’ signifying the end of Mulsanne’s reign. Taking its name from the legendary 6.75-litre engine, it’s limited to only 30 examples.
Subtle tributes to the car’s engine are evident throughout the car. To name but some, the interior ‘organ stop’ ventilation controls are replaced by designs capped by miniature versions of the engine oil cap.
The faces of the clock and minor gauges feature schematic cutaway drawings of the engine itself. Dark tint treatments to the Flying B bonnet mascot, Mulliner Serenity radiator grille and exhaust finishers bring definition to the front of the car.
In addition, the 21-inch five-spoke Mulsanne Speed wheel will feature a unique bright-machined finish with gloss black pockets. Under the bonnet, the engine intake manifold will be finished in black in lieu of the traditional silver.
And finally, the engine number plaque – traditionally signed by the craftsman that built the engine – has been signed by Adrian Hallmark himself. The role of Bentley flagship will be passed to the new Flying Spur.
