- The Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner stands as a fitting tribute.
- Mulsanne production will end after these 30 special units are spoken for.
- Bentley is employing the longest-serving V8 engine in the world for the car.
Bentley is sending their flagship Mulsanne sedan off with a very nice, very rare, and very well-put-together tribute: the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner. The company from Crewe will manufacture just 30 of the 6.75 with Mulsanne production officially ending this spring.
“The Mulsanne has played a pivotal role in maintaining Bentley’s position as global leader of the luxury limousine segment,” explained Chris Craft, Member of the Board, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Bentley Motors. “The flagship of our model range, its longevity is a testament to our ongoing commitment to hand-building the finest motor cars in the world. The new Mulsanne 6.75 Edition is the culmination of that achievement.”
One Solid Engine
Bentley derives the moniker for the Mulsanne 6.75 from what resides beneath that huge hood of the beast, its 6¾-liter engine. Yes, that is a whomping big plant, but you also have to figure a car the size, weight, and shape of a bank vault is going to need it. One interesting thing Bentley points out is how their big engine is celebrating its 60th year in continuous production. I had no idea they’ve been cranking that mill out since Elvis was new.
Also interesting is how Bentley’s engine is the longest-serving V8 in continuous production in the world. Longer than Ford’s flathead, longer than the small block Chevy. That’s impressive.
Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition: Fitting Tribute
Other than having an engine that qualifies for an AARP membership, the Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner has all the luxurious leather and wood, and the many other hand-crafted treatments you typically find in a Bentley. With this special edition, specifically, you’ll find references to the 6¾-liter V8 all across the car.
For example, the “organ stop” HVAC controls are replaced by miniature designs of the engine oil cap, and there’s a 6.75 Edition motif stitched into the seats. The same motif is found on the exterior chrome, in the engine bay, and projected by the LED Welcome Lamps. The faces of the clock and other gauges will feature cutaway drawings of the engine. Bentley is proud of their long-serving power source, and justifiably so.
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In the engine room you’ll find the intake manifold is finished in black rather than the traditional silver. Another special touch: the engine number plaque is signed by Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark himself, rather than the usual signature from the craftsman that built the engine.
Exterior Design
The exterior of the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition is set apart from its lesser brethren (is there such a thing as a lesser Bentley?) with gloss black bright-ware that will, according to Bentley, accentuate a customer’s choice of paintwork and other bespoke treatments. Additional dark tint treatments are seen on the Flying B bonnet mascot, the Mulliner Serenity radiator grille, and the exhaust tips. The wheels are these giant 21-inch five-spoke Mulsanne Speed jobs with a bright-machined finish and gloss black pockets.
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Interior Themes
The inside looks like the drawing room from Downton Abbey. Unique features abound. There are four single tone hides to choose from: Imperial Blue, Beluga, Fireglow, and Newmarket Tan. Then there’s the bespoke color split that adds numerous silver accents throughout the cabin. The center console stack and the rear cabin console are finished in silver veneer, while the front console features a unique metal commemorative plaque. Even for Bentley, that’s classy.
New Generation Emerges
After these 30, there will be no more Mulsannes. The all-new Flying Spur will be Bentley’s flagship from here on out and will receive a hybrid powertrain by 2023, symbolizing Bentley’s commitment to a new generation of luxurious, yet sustainable mobility.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition Gallery
Photos & Source: Bentley Motors.
