Lot 026: 1988 BENTLEY MULSANNE S

Styled in-house by Austrian born Fritz Feller, the Bentley Mulsanne had somewhat less fussy lines than its T2 predecessor. Introduced in 1980, its greater road presence masked a larger glass area. So while it looked suitably imposing from the outside, internally it proved pleasantly airy. Although, based on the T2 floorpan, the Mulsanne offered considerable improvements in both ride and handling thanks to its new Girling automatic ride height control and gas shock absorbers. Copious amounts of sound deadening combined with the finest quality upholstery kept intrusion from the 6.75 litre V8 engine and three-speed automatic transmission to a muted hush unless the model's full 120mph potential was explored. Driver inputs were minimised with power assisted steering and disc brakes. Launched in October 1987, the Mulsanne 'S' benefited from firmer, more sporting suspension and a new centre console design (the latter feature donated by the Turbo R). Fitted with alloy wheels as standard, the new model gained quad headlamps in September 1988. Only in production for five years, a mere 909 standard wheelbase cars are thought to have been made. Finished in Vermillion with parchment leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, interior trim, chassis, bodywork and paintwork (while, he rates the electrical equipment and wheels / tyres as "good" and "very good" respectively). Reportedly supplied new by Jack Barclay Ltd of London who were also responsible for its initial servicing, 'APG 60' is understood to have had just "one registered keeper" and to have covered a mere 14,000 miles from new. Apparently "kept in an air conditioned garage and only used occasionally" of late, the Bentley is nevertheless said to have had regular oil and filter changes when presented for MOT testing. Riding on correct-type alloy wheels, the Mulsanne S is deemed by the seller to be "probably the nicest, lowest mileage Bentley in the country for its age". Barely run-in by the standards of many cars, 'APG 60' is offered for sale with sundry old MOTs, handbooks and current MOT certificate valid until August 2008.