Lot 202: Bentley Mulsanne S

Announced in October 1980, the new Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit was based on the Shadow floorpan and chassis but with all new coachwork designed in house at Crewe. The need for aerodynamic efficiency as well as modern looks resulted in a much lower waistline than the Shadow, while strong horizontal features such as the headlamps and rear lights enhanced the car's lower and wider appearance. Inside a 30% increase in glass area greatly increased visibility and there was a notable increase in passenger space. There were changes underneath, too with improved wishbone/coil front suspension and the adoption of rear springs in conjunction with a gas spring, the latter also acting as an integral damper controlling rear ride height. The 6,750cc V8 engine and three-speed automatic transmission remained unchanged bar detail improvements. Launched concurrently with the Silver Spirit were the Silver Spur with four inch longer wheelbase and the Bentley Mulsanne; as with the Bentley T, the Mulsanne shared an identical specification to the Silver Shadow. In 1982, however, it was joined by the 50% more powerful Mulsanne Turbo, identifiable by a colour coded radiator, which evolved into the Turbo R with alloy wheels, more power and stiffer and lower suspension. So good were the latter's chassis benefits that they were adopted for a new model, the Mulsanne S, in 1987 - two years after fuel injection was standardised across the range which in everything but engine shared the Turbo R specification, thus transforming the Mulsanne into a driver's machine more in keeping with Bentley tradition. Described by the vendor as between good to excellent in every aspect, this extremely well appointed example has the look of a new car both inside and out with the interior blue leather, foot rests and trim in the rear in superb condition given the photographic evidence. Complete with an MoT test certificate valid until June 2009. The road tax, similarly, is also valid until early summer next year. Although the private number plate is note supplied with the car, a new age-related plate will be forthcoming. If you ever thought a Bentley was out of your league, think again...