Just 100 to be built, for each year since the brands’ inception.
Revered British carmaker Bentley has unveiled a special edition of its Mulsanne flagship limousine, to mark its 100th year and as a nod to its founder, Walter Owen Bentley. Dubbed the Mulsanne W.O., this special Bentley will make its debut at the upcoming Monterey Car Week in August.
The W.O. Edition is built in the mould of Walter Bentley’s final creation, the Bentley 8 Litre. Revealed to the world in 1930, it was the last car made under his stewardship before the company went into receivership (and was subsequently purchased by Rolls-Royce), and was such a sensational machine in its day, realising Bentley’s dream to “produce a dead-silent 100mph car.” UK publication Autocar said of the 8 Litre:
“The complete car has that mysterious quality that makes one forget it is a machine at all.” — Autocar Magazine, 1930
The 8 Litre served as a point of reference for the Mulliner tweaks that have made their way onto the W.O. There’s rich, deep black paint over the exterior matched by equally-dark wheels, while the front radiator shell can be optionally-requested to be finished in chrome, just like the 1930s car. Further distinguishing exterior features include W.O. Bentley’s signature on the front fenders, the bumpers (“discreetly” they say), the seats, and even in the wood veneers inside.
Bentley’s not just using the 8 Litre for inspiration: All 100 Mulsanne W.O. cars will come with a little bit of the Walter Bentley’s own 8 Litre, with a little sliver of crankshaft built into the rear, into the drinks tray. Surrounding that drinks tray are swathes of red leather, with lambswool rugs, privacy curtains, crystal flutes, and walnut trim to match.
With just 100 cars made to celebrate Bentley’s story that began in 1919, the Bentley Mulsanne W.O. will be the focal point for many a collector eyeing to expand their fleet. A price was not offered for the W.O. but we’re going to take a stab and assume it’ll be markedly, exorbitantly more expensive than the standard Mulsanne.
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