BENTLEY MULSANNE 6.75 V8
1987 EARLY MODEL, NON-TURBO
BALMORAL GREEN
PARCHMENT HIDE WITH SPRUCE GREEN PIPING
MOT DECEMBER 2022
MECHANICALLY SOUND & RELIABLE LUXURY CLASSIC CAR
For sale is a Bentley Mulsanne finished in the best colour for this car, Balmoral Green and complemented with Parchment Hide and Spruce Green Piping.
I've had a few of the 'SZ' models of the years, but always fancied the Mulsanne. Having experienced head gasket issues on a previous Turbo R, I wanted to avoid those and get a naturally aspirated version.
My uncle wanted the number plate from the car, so that is currently in the process of being retained and new registration will be declared once DVLA confirm this. I have since put a deposit down on a Maserati QP (another car I have always wanted), hence why this is now up for sale.
So here she is - the Green Queen - in all her glory. A stately, regal machine with opulence that no other car from its time can even dream of matching.
She is tall, she is long, she is wide. This car turns more heads than any other super car you can think of. If you are the shy and retiring type, then this really is not the car for you! People stop, stare and point as she glides past.
Whilst the Mulsanne is not new or perfect, if is perfectly usable and is a 'turn-key' classic.
Totally reliable, she starts first turn of the key and idles in the correct manner. Does not overheat - even on the hottest of days. Oil pressure is as it should be.
The famous and durable 6.75, or, six and a three quarter litre V8 performs just fine. It might no throw out massive horsepower, but it has ample torque and effortlessly pulls along this hulk of British engineering.
No hesitation or power loss, it pulls cleanly throughout the rev range. You'd be surprised at how brisk this thing actually is.
It has the trusted GM three speed automatic gearbox, which goes through the ratios as it should. No shuddering or vibrating. The gearbox really mates up well to the lazy and effortless power plant.
The brakes work fine and stop this big machine to a halt with no drama. No shuddering or grinding noises. ABS light intermittently comes on, but this is most likely a corroded speed sensor, as the system all operates correctly.
The hydraulic suspension system also works fine, and keep the car level. It gives a magic carpet' style ride and it just likes to waft down the road. Speed bumps are taken as if they don't even exist!
It is no Lotus Elise, but still manoeuvres pretty well, especially given the fact it is the size of an oil tanker!.
Excellent battery which holds charge fine. These also have an isolator switch, that stops the battery power from being drained when the car is not used for long periods of time.
The tyres are matching Avon Turbo Steels with decent tread and a period-correct white wall side. They are perishing on the side walls, due to age and the weight of the car. But, perfectly legal tread and still feel smooth on the road.
For a 35 year old car, I think she is in good condition. The Balmoral Green coachwork polishes up when and looks stunning when the sun hits it. This colour combination really sets the car off, and gives it the royal and regal appearance which is part of its nature.
There are marks, blemishes and stone chips as to be expected for the age. A few areas where the paint has gone a little flat and there are a couple of areas where the paint has cracked. The rear bumper outriggers are bowing slightly and the bumpers have a few scuff marks. The rear arches have some rust bubbling and the offside rear outer sill has corrosion that will need attention. However, this is still a solid example and not like a lot of rotten ones which come up for sale.
The chrome grill and exterior chrome trim are in very good shape, with no corrosion or rust.
The interior is in decent order, with no rips or tears. There is leather everywhere - the seats, door cards, dashboard top and even the roof lining is premium hide. Even the driver’s seat bolster does not have the usual heavy wear.
There are some cracks on the leather due to age, which would benefit from a leather feed. The walnut cappings have started to bubble and feel rough, therefore could do with sanding down and a varnish if you are that way inclined.
Everything is high end and feels bespoke - you can tell this thing cost as much as a mansion when it was new. The hide is premium quality, the chrome on the door handles and ash tray, the walnut, the deep pile lambs wool carpets, all feel like proper luxury items, as to be expected from a car of this caliber. No two Bentleys of this era would ever be the same - they were built to the buyer’s specification and were all individually specced.
As it’s an old Bentley, so expect some things with require attention: the speedo stopped working a few months back, but there is a GPS speed display fitted, which I will include with the car. Nearside rear window works when it wants, so I just leave it closed. The electric seat switches are temperamental - this is a common issue, and will need them taking apart to clean connectors, etc. The rear lambswool rugs need to be re-stitched together, as the previous owner decided to put them in the washing machine! These are included in the sale and in the boot.
Everything else works as it should - the windscreen washers, wipers, heating, stereo, power steering, horn, ll operate correctly and apart from the ABS light, there are no other warnings on the dashboard cluster.
It is a car which you can genuinely jump into, turn the key and drive up to Scotland. It is a true pleasure to drive or to be driven in, and every journey is an occasion.
No silly offers - this is the cheapest running, driving and MOT’d Mulsanne currently for sale, especially one with minimal rust and in good mechanical order. With the prices of second hand Bentley spares, this would most likely break for more money.
Please be realistic with your expectations, especially at this price point - you are buying a piece of British engineering magnificence, the height or luxury and opulence, something which cost well over £100k new for less tan 10% of its original price. If you want a mint, £25k+ example, then go and look at one of those.
Sold as Seen, no Warranty Given and / or Implied. Viewings are welcomed and encouraged. Although the car is as described, with all issues listed as honestly as possible, everyone’s opinion and expectation of an old classic car will differ.
Located in Berkshire, RG2 post code. Feel free to call me on 07984 395400, for any further information or to arrange a viewing.
