Bentley Mulsanne (1980–92)

The Bentley Mulsanne is a performance luxury car which was produced by Bentley Motors Limited from 1980 until 1992, though derivative models like the Continental T and Azure continued in production into the 2000s. The name "Mulsanne" is derived from Bentley's motorsport history, which included five victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1924 and 1930 — the 'Mulsanne Straight' being the stretch of the Le Mans racecourse where cars reach their highest speeds.

This article is about the 1980–92 Mulsanne. For the 2010 Mulsanne, see Bentley Mulsanne (2010).

Bentley Mulsanne
Overview
ManufacturerBentley
Production1980–1992
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFR layout
RelatedBentley Eight
Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
Rolls-Royce Silver Spur
Powertrain
Engine6.75 L Bentley V8
6.75 L turbo Bentley V8 (years 1982-85)
Dimensions
Wheelbase3061 mm (121 in)
3161 mm (124 in)
Chronology
PredecessorBentley T2
SuccessorBentley Turbo R
Bentley Brooklands

Mulsanne

The Mulsanne shared the traditional 6.75 L (6750 cc/411 in³) Rolls-Royce V8 with aluminium alloy cylinder heads. Two SU carburettors were replaced by Bosch fuel injection on all cars from 1986. All Mulsannes use a 3-speed automatic transmission.

Mulsanne Turbo
Bentley Mulsanne Turbo (1984)

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1982 and produced until 1985 was the Mulsanne Turbo. There was a 50% increase in power thanks to the Garrett AiResearch turbocharger. There was the usual highly polished walnut veneered fascia, blemish-free leather and carpets and headlining of pure wool for the interior. 498 short wheelbase and 18 long wheelbase Mulsanne Turbos were built.

The Mulsanne Turbo was replaced by the Turbo R, which used a fuel injected version of the same engine. A British racing green Turbo has been used in the two James Bond novels Role of Honour and Nobody Lives for Ever by John Gardner.

Mulsanne S
Bentley Mulsanne S

The Mulsanne S was introduced in 1987. Although this model lacked its turbocharger, many of its other details were similar to the Turbo R, including that car's alloy wheels and interior, and the suspension was firmed up for a more sporting ride. The rectangular headlamps from the 1980s gave way to quad round units for 1989, and the model was produced until 1992.

Mulsanne V16

The BMW Goldfisch V16 engine was tested in the Bentley Mulsanne as a potential "upgrade" from the turbocharged V8 engine. Unlike the BMW 7 Series, the engine fit in the bay with room for radiator and ancillaries but it was never sold to the public.[1]

Derivative models

The Mulsanne was based on the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit/Silver Spur introduced at the same time. It would be the basis for all Bentley models until the 1998 introduction of the Arnage.

Production
Model Years Total Production Short wheelbase Long wheelbase Limousine
Mulsanne1980–1987533482492
Mulsanne Turbo51649818
Mulsanne S[2]1987–199297090961

References
  1. "Engine Types Explained: V16 Engine". Motor Car Net. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  2. Roßfeldt, K.-J. "Bentley Mulsanne S (1987-1992)". Roßfeldt Archives. Retrieved 29 November 2013.
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