1982 Bentley Mulsanne

Introduced in October of 1980, the Bentley Mulsanne was set to reflect the ultimate speeds reached in the early racing history of Bentley, running down the long Mulsanne straight at Le Mans when Bentley Motors won in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. The Mulsanne was in essence a badge-engineered Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, intended to take over from the Silver Shadow and much rarer the Bentley T-Series T2. The new Bentley Mulsanne body sat on the same platform as the old model, together with the existing suspension, chassis components, and even the engine and transmission, all of which had been consistently upgraded since 1965 when the Silver Shadow and T-Series Bentley were introduced. Consequently the heavier new model did not conduct itself any better than the outgoing 1980 T-Series and was only slightly faster but no more luxurious. From this moment there were no plans to introduce any replacement models until the next century. The longer stroke, 90-degree overhead valve, twin SU 6,752-cc V-8 engine continued, uprated from 6,230 cc in 1971.

The new Bentley Mulsanne was available in either standard or long wheelbase versions, with the latter being called the Mulsanne L. Performance from 0-60mph was 10.0 seconds, top speed was 119 mph, and the standing 1/4 mile took 17.1 seconds. The entry price for a 1980 Mulsanne was £49,629, with 533 selling in the period to 1987 when the model was discontinued.

In March 1982 Bentley announced the new carburettor-aspirated Mulsanne Turbo that would go on sale in September. The Turbo model had a 0-60 capability of just 6.7 seconds and a restricted 135-mph top speed. This performance came at a premium, as the Mulsanne Turbo listed at £58,613. The standing 1/4 mile scorched up in 14.7 seconds, only 1/2 a second slower than the a Porsche 911 from the same model year. At 4,926 lbs, a massive 530bhp was reputed to be on tap from the Mulsanne Turbo. The Garrett AiResearch turbocharger contributed a 50% increase in power. The visual differences over the standard Mulsanne are the badging and a painted radiator grille rather than stainless steel. Otherwise the body style was not altered and the soft ride was just the same. This move by Bentley was the start of a sales revival, with 498 standard wheelbase Turbos sold and an additional 18 long-wheelbase versions finding owners.

In August of 1984, the base model Bentley Mulsanne was joined by the new Bentley Eight which had a lower level of trim and interior decor. The price had leapt up to £76,108 for the Eight, a rise of £17,495 over the Mulsanne of only two years before.

The Bentley Mulsanne Turbo R arrived in 1985 with stiffened suspension and sharper handling. It also was equipped with fuel injection—the top speed now regulated to a maximum of 143 mph, but the 0-60mph time increased to 7.0 seconds and 15.4 seconds was now required to cover the standing 1/4 mile. In October 1986 fuel injection and anti-lock brakes were added to the Mulsanne range. An increase in power was reported too, but the figures, as per tradition, were not quoted but said to be 'adequate'.

In 1987 the Mulsanne S was introduced. The new trim was similar to the Turbo R, complete with alloy wheels and the same interior, but without the turbocharger. To reflect the 'S', the ride was firmed up again. Four circular headlamps replaced the long-serving pair of rectangular lamps in 1989 and this continued until the final car was produced in 1992, with 970 sold. From October 1989 wider wheels were fitted together with a new electronically controlled suspension damping system. Plans for the replacement of the Mulsanne progressed and during the course of 1992 the new Brooklands model replaced the Mulsanne and Bentley Eight, although there were no visual changes, only automatic ride control and a yet firmer suspension.

The Bentley Drivers Club caters for all Bentley owners and has a full calendar of events in which to participate, from concours to regional social meetings and race meetings. Spares are readily available for all models and the condition of these vehicles is still generally good and sound. With huge prestige and pride of Bentley ownership, the fresh Bentley owner joins a different world.