Lot 350: Bentley Mulsanne LWB Armoured Saloon

Based on the immensely successful Silver Shadow II, the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit and Bentley Mulsanne were announced in the autumn of 1980, the latter's evocative name recalling Bentley's heroic, Le Mans-winning exploits of the 1920s. Representing evolution rather than revolution, the duo's revised styling featured a lower waistline, increased glass area and a more modern angular look, while beneath the skin significant improvements had been made to the self-levelling rear suspension. Rectangular headlights graced the front of a Rolls-Royce-built product for the first time and the oft-changed radiator became wider and squatter in both Rolls and Bentley versions. Inside, the Crewe firm's exemplary standards of equipment and finish were maintained, the most noticeable change being the adoption of separate rear seats and the reinstatement of folding picnic tables. In line with established practice, there was also a long-wheelbase version of both models, although only the Rolls-Royce variant was distinguished by its own name: Silver Spur, the Bentley being known merely as the Mulsanne LWB. The latter is certainly a rare car, only 47 being manufactured compared with 482 Mulsannes on the standard wheelbase and over 6,000 Silver Spurs! This left-hand drive Bentley Mulsanne LWB was previously owned by the Qatar Royal Family and has been serviced in house by their own technical staff. We are advised that the car is armour plated to the highest standard, while other high security features include a siren, oxygen supply system and electric windows, the latter a rare feature in vehicles such as this. Finished in dark blue metallic with lighter blue Everflex roof and blue-pipe magnolia hide interior, 'K207 RGP' has covered only 23,241 kilometres from new and is described by the vendor as in generally excellent condition. The car is offered with MoT to October 2009, current road fund licence and Swansea V5 registration document.