The year was 1919 when a young Walter Owen, known as W.O. Bentley, created a company to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.” A simple mission that has been at the core of the company ever since.
In 1930 W.O. Bentley presented his ‘finest grand tourer.’ An 8-liter car considered the most luxurious Bentley of its time and the last model designed by W.O. Bentley. He in fact owned the second model off the production line, which was registered as GK 706 and H.L. Mulliner was tasked to build the saloon body. Bentley Motors purchased this very car in 2006. It was restored and the original crankshaft replaced. This iconic model is now featured at the Bentley Motors Lineage Exhibition at the company headquarters in Crewe.
Now, in celebration of the brand’s centenary, Bentley has created a unique car: the Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner. Like the brand’s anniversary, this model is limited to only 100 handcrafted cars. It is a homage to the company’s founder and each of the vehicles in this limited edition features a piece of the original crankshaft from W.O. Bentley’s 1930s 8-liter car. This new Mulsanne is designed by Mulliner and inspired by the Golden Age of British Motoring. The exterior, shown in elegant onyx can be customized and features the brand’s iconic Flying B above the chrome radiator grille. An elegant centenary badges are located along the door treadplates. The interiors are reminiscent of the 1930s and feature an illuminated cocktail cabinet with elegant marquetry in a geometrical design with a slice of the original crankshaft from W.O.’s car. The color split interior is made from precious Heritage Hide and blind stitching. Dark Stain Burr Walnut veneer is featured in the inside paneling and steering wheel. Additional accessories include lambswool rugs, privacy curtains and a rear seat entertainment system.
The Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner will be presented to the public at the Monterey Car Week later this August. The first Mulsannes will be delivered in 2019 – marking the year of Bentley’s centenary.
