∙Superb condition inside and out ∙Excellent runner with large history file ∙Desirable colour scheme ∙One of just 38 registered on the UK’s roads
The Background
There’s an effortless sense of class to the act of wafting around in a venerable old 1980s Bentley. Whereas once there was a period when these models had passed from the upper echelons of high society down into pub landlord territory, the 2020s are the time when these wonderful machines are really coming into their own. Enough water has passed under the bridge since (in the case of this particular car) 1988 that this stately and regal entity can be properly respected for what it is: a sumptuous luxury cruiser with ample power and superlative refinements, wrapped up in a timelessly stylish body.
The case for buying such a thing in Mulsanne S spec is extremely strong too. The Mulsanne range as a whole was in production from 1980-92, the much-revered Rolls-Royce 6.75-litre V8 having its twin SU carbs swapped out for fuel injection from 1986 onwards. And the Mulsanne S, on sale from 1987, was essentially a Bentley Turbo R without the turbo.
While it’s true that a Mulsanne Turbo had been offered from 1982 and this was ultimately replaced by the superior Turbo R, the particularly interesting and relevant thing for us to consider here is that the chassis upgrades for the Turbo R also carried over to the Mulsanne S. The most intriguing fact about the Turbo R was that the ‘R’ stood for ‘roadholding’ – the dampers and anti-roll bars were upgraded to suit its extra power, and the notion of carrying these upgraded specs over to the naturally-aspirated Mulsanne S means you get all the opulent luxury of the regular Mulsanne, along with a more controlled chassis setup, upgraded interior, prettier wheels, the whole shooting match. It is, quite simply, everything that you could desire from a classic cruiser-spec Bentley.
This is a car which has evidently lived a beloved and cherished existence, as befits a machine which exudes such panache. Originally purchased on 27th January 1988, it was supplied with the registration number E331 LSG; today it’s known as WBJ 606, a plate that comes with the car. The Bentley is accompanied by a reassuringly documented history, and the mileage is noteworthy: with 112k miles on the clock, that averages out to fewer than 3,500 miles a year throughout its thirty-three year life… and in the last seven years it has covered just 5,000 miles in total. It’s as much a piece of art as a means of conveyance, and despite its gentle usage it’s always been kept running; the online MOT database shows this Bentley sailing through its test with no advisories for many years. This tidy and compete Mulsanne S is good to go at the drop of a tastefully tailored hat.
The history file includes a partial service history, with twenty-five services documented from a marque specialist. The original manuals, handbooks and service book are present in their correct wallet, and there’s a large stack of old MOT certificates to verify the mileage. There is a sizeable sheaf of receipts and invoices; we can see that there was an estimate in 2004 to paint the wings, bonnet and boot lid; in 2019 an oil leak was addressed by a specialist; in 2020 over £1,900 was spent on a new head gasket and assorted other gaskets. It’s always been maintained by specialists, and the document file makes for reassuring reading.
It’s a very special feeling, being inside a Bentley of this era – and the formidable condition of this Mulsanne S does much to realise the fantasy. The seats are all in very good order with just a little of the expected wear to the driver’s seat (which wouldn’t be too hard for a specialist to rejuvenate as a topical repair), and the really fun part of any classic Bentley or Roller is the presence of the wool overmats. These rugs were an expensive option when new, and their super-deep pile is just fabulous; the driver’s side mat has worn a little and been repaired, but not to a degree that affects the ambience.
The two rear footrests are in outstanding condition – indeed, the rear of the Bentley is remarkably fresh overall given that this is a 1988 car, it’s all beautifully presented. The wood trim on the dash and door cappings is in superb condition, the steering wheel isn’t excessively worn, and all of the correct trim and switchgear is in place. None of the buttons or switches are worn smooth, the cigar lighters are present, and there are no cracks in the dashtop. We see no warning lights on the dash. An aftermarket radio-cassette head unit is fitted, but otherwise it’s all as Bentley intended in here. Inside the boot it all appears dry and solid, with the correct carpets fitted and in great condition.
It’s the paint colour that really gives this Bentley its visual clout, with the College Blue perfectly suiting the bold dimensions of the big saloon. On the whole the paintwork is in very good condition too; as is evidenced in the paperwork, the rear arches have been replaced and the car had a partial respray – all the arches are now solid all round. There’s the odd blemish here and there, but nothing that detracts from the overall aesthetic impact: the nose and leading edge of the bonnet have a few stone-chips which have been touched in, the nearside front wing has also had a little touch-up ahead of the arch, and there are a few very minor paint bubbles, as shown in the photographs.
The panel fit is excellent with even shutlines all round, and the chrome trim is all in very good condition with no evidence of pitting or corrosion. The light lenses are all good with no cracks or stone-chips (even the often vulnerable front fog lights), the window surrounds are solid and complete, and all the right badges are here. The car wears its correct Turbo R style wheels, shod in the factory-spec Avon Turbosteel tyres.
The mighty engine is this model’s most special feature, and the owner reports that it’s all running just as smoothly as a Bentley ought to. We can see from the history that it’s always been properly serviced, and it wasn’t long since it was treated to a new head gasket, exhaust manifold gasket, coolant housing gasket, rocker cover gasket, thermostat housing gasket, oil filler housing gasket and bypass gasket – a veritable gasket-fest, so you shouldn’t be finding any leaks here. The engine has received two oil changes in the last couple of years, as well as a new air filter and a new battery, and it reportedly runs and drives exactly as it should. The owner also reports no problems with the transmission, suspension, steering or brakes – everything has been correctly maintained and it’s all running sweetly.
There’s a lot to be said for buying a late-eighties Bentley today. Buy well, and they represent phenomenal value for money – an example that’s been properly maintained, as this one has, offers an enormous amount of luxury, practicality, pleasure and road presence for a surprisingly small outlay.
The Mulsanne S is a supremely attractive proposition too; it offers all of the creamy-smooth and torque-rich wafting ability you’d expect, without the hedonistic headbanger edge of the hooligan-spec Turbo R, but hijacking its improved suspension setup gives the Mulsanne S a much more sure-footed and controlled gait. The best of both worlds. Add in the fact that this car is beautifully presented and is an excellent runner, and you surely don’t need us to convince you of what a stellar buy this would be. Imagine how much richer and more satisfying your day-to-day motoring would feel if you were behind the wheel of such a delectable piece of design and engineering.
** The photos in this listing have been provided to us by the seller **
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1988 Bentley Mulsanne S
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