The Queen’s Final Ride: A Bespoke Bentley Mulsanne
It’s not every day that a car gets to serve royalty, let alone become a piece of automotive history. But for Bentley’s latest addition to its Heritage Collection, this is precisely the case. The final Mulsanne, a model synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship, has returned to its birthplace in Crewe after its prestigious tenure with the Royal household.
This isn’t just any Mulsanne; it’s the one commissioned by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, making its story and provenance even more special.
Fit for a Queen: Custom Features of the Royal Mulsanne
Crafted to perfection, this 2020 Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase is a testament to Bentley’s commitment to bespoke luxury. Its exterior, in a stately Barnato green, pairs elegantly with an interior of Twine and Cumbrian hide, exuding regality.
The Royal touch doesn’t end there: with rear privacy curtains and the United Kingdom’s Royal coat of arms inlaid into the door waist rails, every detail has been considered. Not to forget, a custom-sized tray replaced the front centre armrests, specially designed to accommodate the Queen’s handbag.
Moreover, this Mulsanne housed discreetly concealed police lights, a siren, and a bullhorn, essential for Royal duties. Beneath a walnut-veneered door lay a hidden switch panel, maintaining the car’s sleek aesthetic while ensuring functionality.
Power and Prestige: The Mulsanne’s Legacy
Beneath the bonnet, the Mulsanne boasts Bentley’s iconic 537PS 6.75-litre V8 engine, a powerhouse that has defined Bentley’s engineering excellence. Complementing its performance are 21” alloy wheels and chrome brightware, adding a final touch of elegance to this automotive masterpiece.
Now a part of Bentley’s Heritage Collection, this Mulsanne joins two other significant models: the second-ever Mulsanne from 2010 and a 2019 Mulsanne Speed, previously part of Bentley’s press fleet. Together, they narrate a story of luxury, innovation, and royal service.
Mulsanne: A Decade of Luxury
Launched at Pebble Beach in 2009, the Mulsanne has been a symbol of luxury.
It emerged as a completely new offering, featuring a new variant of Bentley’s 6.75-litre V8 engine, a novel chassis, and fresh exterior and interior designs. The 2016 Geneva Motor Show saw the introduction of a new Mulsanne, further elevating luxury standards with an upgraded interior and front end.
The Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, introduced alongside the new Mulsanne, added 250 mm to the car’s footprint, allowing for exceptional rear-seat luxury, including ornate folding tables and electronic leg-rests. The final 30 cars in the Mulsanne series, the ‘6.75 Edition by Mulliner’, marked the end of an era for both the model and its legendary 6.75-litre engine.
The Bentley Heritage Collection: A Journey Through Time
Bentley’s Heritage Collection, now boasting 45 cars, is a journey through the company’s 104-year history. From the world’s oldest Bentley, the 1919 3-Litre EXP2, to the 2021 Continental GT Speed, the Collection showcases Bentley’s legacy in luxury and motorsport.
The Collection, including 37 road-registered cars and famous motorsport vehicles, is maintained at Bentley’s carbon-neutral Dream Factory in Crewe, available for viewing as part of the factory tour experience.
The addition of the last Mulsanne to the Heritage Collection not only celebrates Bentley’s illustrious past but also honours the legacy of a vehicle that served royalty. It stands as a symbol of the pinnacle of automotive luxury and craftsmanship, a fitting tribute to both the brand and its royal patron.
