Bentley Motors, renowned for its bespoke luxury vehicles, has unveiled a truly special limited edition Mulsanne: the Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner. This exquisite model not only pays tribute to Walter Owen Bentley, the company’s founding father, but also incorporates a tangible piece of Bentley history into each of the 100 cars being produced.
At the heart of each Mulsanne W.O. Edition lies a slice of the original crankshaft from W.O. Bentley’s personal 8 Litre car. This 8 Litre, the last model W.O. himself designed for Bentley Motors in 1930, represents a pivotal moment in the brand’s heritage. As Bentley approached its centenary in 2019, Mulliner designers drew inspiration from the golden age of British motoring and the legacy of W.O. Bentley to conceive this unique collector’s item. The Mulsanne W.O. Edition is available across the entire Mulsanne range, allowing customers to personalize their piece of history. Key highlights include a distinctive color split interior crafted from Heritage Hide evoking the patina of classic cars, sophisticated Beluga black wheels, and a meticulously designed cocktail cabinet or bottle cooler. This cabinet showcases the embedded slice of W.O.’s 8 Litre crankshaft within the armrest, adding an unparalleled element of authenticity.
The Mulsanne W.O. Edition made its grand debut at Monterey Car Week in California, USA, in late August, building anticipation for customer deliveries which commenced in 2019, Bentley’s momentous centenary year.
The Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner: A Fragment of Bentley’s Illustrious Past
The design language of the new Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner is deeply rooted in the aesthetics of the 8 Litre, an icon from the ‘golden age’ of British motoring. Mulliner’s master craftsmen will meticulously hand-build only 100 of these exceptional vehicles, ensuring their exclusivity and collector status.
Stepping inside the Mulsanne W.O. Edition is like entering a time capsule of 1930s luxury. The Mulliner illuminated cocktail cabinet stands out as a centerpiece, showcasing a marquetry scene that depicts the iconic geometric front grille and headlight of the 8 Litre. Within this handcrafted unit, a window reveals the genuine piece of crankshaft from W.O. Bentley’s personal 8 Litre, accompanied by an inscription detailing its historical significance.
The creation of this marquetry scene is a testament to Mulliner’s artistry, utilizing various veneers and materials. Four distinct wood types provide depth and contrast, while aluminum accents highlight the signature, geometric patterns, and borders. The diamond-like borders and W.O.’s signature infuse a contemporary touch while retaining an Art Deco ambiance.
The interior color scheme features a sophisticated split of luxurious Fireglow Heritage and Fireglow hides, enhanced by Beluga hide detailing and subtle blind stitching. Dark Stain Burr Walnut veneer extends across the minor gauge panel, steering wheel rim, and other interior elements, creating a cohesive and opulent environment within the Mulsanne.
Further enhancing the luxurious experience, the Mulsanne W.O. Edition includes Fireglow lambswool rugs, bespoke glass tumblers, privacy curtains for rear passengers, and a state-of-the-art rear-seat entertainment system.
Externally, the Mulsanne W.O. Edition commands attention with its Onyx paintwork, although customers can choose from Bentley’s extensive color palette to personalize their vehicle. A chrome bonnet strip and the iconic Flying B Mascot atop the optional chrome radiator shell and grille further accentuate its distinguished presence. A discreet W.O. Bentley signature badge on the lower bumper and special centenary badging on the self-leveling wheel centers and door treadplates subtly celebrate this momentous occasion.
The Mulsanne W.O. Edition is offered across the Mulsanne model range, each model already representing the pinnacle of Bentley’s innovation and craftsmanship. As Bentley’s flagship, the Mulsanne stands as the world’s finest handmade car, embodying the ultimate fusion of luxury and high performance.
The Bentley 8 Litre: W.O. Bentley’s Masterpiece
The 8 Litre, launched in 1930, was hailed as W.O. Bentley’s definitive grand tourer and the last car he personally designed for Bentley Motors. It reigned as the largest and most luxurious Bentley of its time, boasting the most powerful engine in Britain – a 7,983cc straight-six engine delivering remarkable performance. W.O. Bentley himself described his ambition for the 8 Litre: “I have always wanted to produce a dead silent 100-mph car, and now I think we have done it.”
W.O.’s personal 8 Litre, originally registered GK 706, was the second car off the production line. He commissioned HJ Mulliner to craft a saloon body on the shorter wheelbase chassis. Though forced to sell his beloved car in 1931, Bentley Motors reacquired it in 2006. A meticulous restoration followed, which included replacing the original crankshaft, slices of which now serve as symbolic centerpieces in the Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner.
Today, W.O.’s 8 Litre holds a place of honor as a symbolic ‘company car’ for each successive Bentley CEO, a tradition tracing back to the company’s founder. It is now a central exhibit in the Bentley Motors Lineage Exhibition at their Crewe headquarters in England.
Bentley’s Centenary: 100 Years of Extraordinary
In 1919, Walter Owen (W.O.) Bentley established a company guided by a simple yet powerful vision: to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”. This principle has been the driving force behind Bentley for a century, propelling the brand to the forefront of automotive luxury worldwide.
July 10th, 2018, marked the commencement of Bentley’s 100th year and the countdown to its centenary in 2019. This extraordinary milestone, achieved by only a select few companies, was celebrated as a testament to Bentley’s rich history and its continued global success.
