Highlights
- Very good condition throughout
- Low mileage of just 57,350 miles
- Condition belies its 36 years
- Long MoT awaits new keeper
The Appeal
The mid-1980’s Bentley Mulsanne is for the most part, a very special car to be in, both as a passenger and as a driver. Incredible levels of refinement and build quality are met with a car that is not entirely uninteresting to drive.
With the innate ability to waft along seemingly without a care in the world, the lack of road noise and luxurious ride quality creates an environment that totally isolates you from the world outside. It’s then when a luxury car of this vintage starts to make the most sense.
History and Paperwork
- Dry-stored/driven, garaged when not in use
- Low mileage example
- V5 certificate in current keeper’s name
- VOSA Printout
- Previous MOT certificates
The Mulsanne is a four-door luxury performance saloon produced by Bentley Motors from 1980 until 1992. The name ‘Mulsanne was derived from Bentley's motorsport history, which included five victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1924 and 1930. The 'Mulsanne Straight' is the stretch of Le Mans' race circuit where cars reach their highest speeds.
Due to the symbiotic nature of the two companies at that time, the Mulsanne was essentially another rebadged Rolls-Royce, this time mirrored from their Silver Spirit.
This handsome Bentley Mulsanne #H14903 concluded its build in late December, 1985 and was promptly dispatched to H.R. Owen in Middlesex, to meet its first proud owner. Little is known of its life thereafter via eight former keepers suffice to say that it was acquired by its current keeper in May, 2022 prior to which we know it was in storage for the previous four years.
Accompanying the sale will be the V5 certificate in the current keeper’s name, a long MoT to August, 2023, the original leather-bound Owner’s Handbook and a small file of previous service and maintenance invoices.
The Interior
- Fully original, swathed in Parchment leather (A3672)
- Elegant Dark Blue pipe finishing to front and rear seats (A4133)
- Electric windows and electric seats
- Tidy and largely unblemished interior
The original interior is in exceptional condition and belies the car’s 36 years. Presented in Parchment (Code A3672) and elegantly finished with Dark Blue piping (Code A4133), the leatherwork on both the front and rear furniture has stood the test of time, with its superior quality extending through to all four door cards and lower dashboard. That said, the leatherwork throughout would benefit from re-nourishment to prevent the appearance of faint surface cracks.
The full-width Circassian walnut veneered dashboard is in very good condition, as is the centre console and veneered mirror inserts on the C-pillar. The sun visors, headlining, rear foot rests and other soft furnishings present in remarkably good condition. Furthermore, the custodian reports that all the instruments, switchgear and backlights work as originally intended.
However, the veneered door cappings have fallen victim to weathered ageing with the lacquer peeling away in several places across all four doors. These are highlighted in the accompanying image gallery.
The Exterior
- Smartly presented in original Deep Ocean Blue
- Brightwork is in good order with minor blemishes
- Original ‘Bentley Eight’ wheels need refurbishment
The tidy interior continues out to the exterior of this Bentley Mulsanne. It is stunningly presented in its original Deep Ocean Blue which gleamed in the sunshine at the photo location. The front and rear light lenses are clear and a glance down each flank of the car shows no evidence of collision damage.
The set of original 15-inch ‘Bentley Eight’ alloys wheels are in need of refurbishment, but all are shod with Tracmax Transporter RF09 tyres which present in very good health.
The brightwork around the car is in very good condition. There is a small area of what appears to be surface rust to the front of the driver’s door sill and a chip to the front passenger door, again both as pictured.
There are areas of body trim that require removal and re-alignment, namely the left and right of the rear bumper, the left-side front light cluster is coming adrift and the right front bumper appears to have encountered a firm object at some point. These are depicted in the image gallery below.
The Mechanics
- Low mileage at just 57,350 (unverified)
- Runs and drives particularly well
- Long MoT to August, 2023
At the photo location, the 6.7-litre V8 started first and every time and settled into an appreciative burble. The three-speed automatic gearbox connected smoothly with ‘Drive’ and ‘Reverse’ engaging with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The custodian reports the car to be in healthy mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective engineers intended.
The engine compartment is tidy and the underside and lower sills present in very good order with a degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.
Following the car to the photo location, our photographer reports that the car appeared to drive with enough integrity and vigour to suggest that – with only 57,000 miles under its bumpers – a large part of its operational life lies ahead of it.
Summary
In Bentley Mulsanne #H14903 we have an elegant dame of British motoring in fairly fine fettle for its age. Taking into account the minor cosmetic issues highlighted above, the car represents an interesting opportunity for light restoration over a series of weekends given its low mileage, pretty appearance and smart leatherwork – and likely not for silly money, either.
The quality of this still very original yet well-presented Bentley Mulsanne should generate significant interest both within the Bentley Register and wider classic car enthusiasts’ community.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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