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1988 Bentley Mulsanne S

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$14,500 CAD Current Bid RESERVE ALMOST MET
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1988 Bentley Mulsanne S

words by ShiftGate

Splendidly Superlative

Bentleys are four-wheeled superlatives, sumptuous shrines to automotive engineering, B-winged spectacles of “noblesse, discernment and all our impossible dreams”, as Paul Dean of the Los Angeles Times noted in 1989. Famously handcrafted by British artisans, down to the individually machined pistons produced for the likes of this 1988 Mulsanne S, these are seriously cool cars.

 

History

Since the founding of Bentley by brothers Walter Owen and Horace Milner in 1919, these are cars known for the highest level of precision and perfectionism. However, contrary to the present-day ethos of exclusive vehicular pampering, the Bentleys and their buddies were wild men behind the wheel. From Brooklands and the Indy 500 to racing locomotives and winning Le Mans every year from 1927 to 1930, these fellows were hard charging enthusiasts.

Over the following decades, Bentley ended up being acquired by Rolls-Royce, then the Vickers engineering conglomerate and Volkswagen Group most recently. A common thread across this checkered ownership history has been big, high-powered sedans – “saloons” in the parlance of our British brethren – that ooze that luxury lifestyle. It was during the Vickers era, beginning in 1980, that Bentley’s SZ platform came to life and with it the original Mulsanne.

Named for the legendary Le Mans straight where racers once hit more than 250 mph, the four-door Mulsanne came packing a 6.75L V8 and all the Crewe craftsmanship the brand is known for. In 1987, a Mulsanne S joined the lineup sporting Turbo R components, sans the turbo. Owned, at the time, by Hollywood luminaries like Walter Matthau, these cars were intended for folks “interested in driving and going around corners seriously”, according to company spokesman Reg Abiss. Said to be one of 210 built for 1988, the lovely Balmoral Green example up for auction today is a time capsule of Bentley pedigree.

 

17 Feet of Bentley Presence

Finished in Balmoral Green with dual tan pinstripes, this Mulsanne S presents well with straight body panels and no history of paint or bodywork. Sitting atop the chrome, vertically finned grille is both a winged B emblem and Flying B hood ornament leading to a full-length chrome hood spar. Chrome trim is also used on the lower body moldings, door handles and window surrounds.

Aluminum-alloy wheels, first used on the Turbo R, are sized 15” x 6.5”. Featuring locking center caps, they are wrapped in General Altimax RT tires sized 235/70 all around. The undercarriage is in very good condition with some minor surface corrosion and no corrosion was detected on the body. Paint meter readings are detailed in the photo gallery.

Ever So Classy

Tan Connolly leather and Wilton carpets swathe the interior in luxury with pattern-matched, straight grain walnut trim throughout. All seats look to be in good condition with minor wear seen on the power-adjustable driver’s seat. The leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 220-kmh Jaeger speedometer and 5,000-rpm tachometer with offset gauges for fuel level and engine coolant temperature. Minor cracking can be seen on the walnut gauge surround panel.

The center console houses an analog clock, battery meter and ambient temperature gauge with an aftermarket Blaupunkt stereo fitted below. Dual-note horns, a signature Bentley feature, offer blasts for “town” or “country”, as appropriate. Additional features include power windows, power door locks and automatic climate controls.

Torque for Days

With an aluminum block and cylinder heads, the naturally aspirated V8 powering this Mulsanne S displaces a burly 6.75 liters. It features Bosch engine management and a three-speed automatic routing power to the rear wheels. Features includes four-wheel disc brakes and fully independent suspension with a hydraulic self-leveling setup out back. The Mulsanne S utilizes the same sport-tuned suspension of the period Turbo R model.

The brake accumulator was replaced in 2018 along with a hydraulic fluid flush. This past summer, all fluids were replaced. Per the seller, there are no known mechanical issues and partial service records will accompany the sale.

The SZ or 20.000 series are known as the easiest and most reliable of the the group and have rapidly become more desirable than any other offers from Crewe.

This particular car has been well cared for since new and appropriate maintenance has kept it ready for any long distance drives such as coast to coast.

The owner, a long time Rolls and Bentley owner and member of the RROC and other British car clubs, has insured that any repairs were done as needed. These include new spheres and flushed brake lines. Radiator, hoses and belt change. Power seat motors and related electrics were renewed, and of course, oil and filters on schedule.

Mechanically the car performs as new with a current mpg of 19 ½ against the 20 mpg as declared by the factory some 34 years earlier! Obviously time and nominal mileage have had no effect on the car’s ability to deliver as a new car.

In the video there is a “cold start” section and it should be noted that this was done after the car was sitting for a couple of weeks. It starts the same way when sitting several months over the winter in an unheated barn.

Synonymous with Luxury

Located in Toronto, Ontario, this Canadian-market Mulsanne S has 155,000 original kilometers on the odometer. During the past 4 ½ years of ownership, the seller has added 25,000 of those. Aside from the stereo, this is an all-original example that includes manufacturer literature, service booklet, a CD with workshop manual and Bentley folio. If classic British elegance, artisan construction and huge V8s are your thing, this is your car.

17 Feet of Bentley Presence

Finished in Balmoral Green with dual tan pinstripes, this Mulsanne S presents well with straight body panels and no history of paint or bodywork. Sitting atop the chrome, vertically finned grille is both a winged B emblem and Flying B hood ornament leading to a full-length chrome hood spar. Chrome trim is also used on the lower body moldings, door handles and window surrounds.

Aluminum-alloy wheels, first used on the Turbo R, are sized 15” x 6.5”. Featuring locking center caps, they are wrapped in General Altimax RT tires sized 235/70 all around. The undercarriage is in very good condition with some minor surface corrosion and no corrosion was detected on the body. Paint meter readings are detailed in the photo gallery.

Ever So Classy

Tan Connolly leather and Wilton carpets swathe the interior in luxury with pattern-matched, straight grain walnut trim throughout. All seats look to be in good condition with minor wear seen on the power-adjustable driver’s seat. The leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 220-kmh Jaeger speedometer and 5,000-rpm tachometer with offset gauges for fuel level and engine coolant temperature. Minor cracking can be seen on the walnut gauge surround panel.

The center console houses an analog clock, battery meter and ambient temperature gauge with an aftermarket Blaupunkt stereo fitted below. Dual-note horns, a signature Bentley feature, offer blasts for “town” or “country”, as appropriate. Additional features include power windows, power door locks and automatic climate controls.

Torque for Days

With an aluminum block and cylinder heads, the naturally aspirated V8 powering this Mulsanne S displaces a burly 6.75 liters. It features Bosch engine management and a three-speed automatic routing power to the rear wheels. Features includes four-wheel disc brakes and fully independent suspension with a hydraulic self-leveling setup out back. The Mulsanne S utilizes the same sport-tuned suspension of the period Turbo R model.

The brake accumulator was replaced in 2018 along with a hydraulic fluid flush. This past summer, all fluids were replaced. Per the seller, there are no known mechanical issues and partial service records will accompany the sale.

The SZ or 20.000 series are known as the easiest and most reliable of the the group and have rapidly become more desirable than any other offers from Crewe.

This particular car has been well cared for since new and appropriate maintenance has kept it ready for any long distance drives such as coast to coast.

The owner, a long time Rolls and Bentley owner and member of the RROC and other British car clubs, has insured that any repairs were done as needed. These include new spheres and flushed brake lines. Radiator, hoses and belt change. Power seat motors and related electrics were renewed, and of course, oil and filters on schedule.

Mechanically the car performs as new with a current mpg of 19 ½ against the 20 mpg as declared by the factory some 34 years earlier! Obviously time and nominal mileage have had no effect on the car’s ability to deliver as a new car.

In the video there is a “cold start” section and it should be noted that this was done after the car was sitting for a couple of weeks. It starts the same way when sitting several months over the winter in an unheated barn.

Synonymous with Luxury

Located in Toronto, Ontario, this Canadian-market Mulsanne S has 155,000 original kilometers on the odometer. During the past 4 ½ years of ownership, the seller has added 25,000 of those. Aside from the stereo, this is an all-original example that includes manufacturer literature, service booklet, a CD with workshop manual and Bentley folio. If classic British elegance, artisan construction and huge V8s are your thing, this is your car.

Exterior (59)
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Interior (25)
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Mechanical (23)
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Details (16)
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ShiftGate requests information from the Seller regarding each Auctioned Vehicle, which is then used by ShiftGate to create a description of the Auctioned Vehicle that is as accurate as possible. ShiftGate does not physically inspect any of the Auctioned Vehicles and it is the bidder’s responsibility to do their due diligence and satisfy themselves as to the quality of said vehicle/lot.

When applicable, Hagerty Price Guide estimates are based off information shared by the seller.

BorderBuddy importation quotes are estimates only. The quote includes duties calculated in range of the potential final selling price.

  • Bid on this vehicle

  • Current Bid

    $14,500 CAD by andy930 ¤0*

  • Time Left

  • Ends On

    Friday, January 28 at 04:30pm

  • Bids

    2

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13 Comments & Bids

6

seller

This Auction is too quiet !

Please Visit my Other Lot, currently in Rotation, for variation.

https://shiftgate.com/auction/honda-c70-passport-pair-1982-1984/

Trifecta From the Eighties!!! Perfect Stable Mates those 3 vehicles!!!

_____

PS: To Increase / Boost the Enthusiasm for this LOT 202: This Wonderful Bentley MULSANNE ‘S’, New Custodian will Get a Honda NC50 Express for FREE, as a goodie, if Hammer Hits Top Portion of Hagery’s Evaluation. (23400$). Please Share and Spread on Social Medias!!!!

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6

seller

Any specific questions, or if You want to book an appointment to See the car Reach [email protected]

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6

seller

Thanks for the comment @selmerfudd

You are more than welcome to place that last second steal bid you plan to place.

This vessel will be a great addition to any collection. A vintage Car you can daily drive with great pride. Life is Short. Take advantage to drive this great car, on a daily basis. (at a price equivalent of a toyota corolla, demo..)

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6

seller

For discriminating buyer looking for a car that was Built with Rolls-Royce philosophy, by Rolls-Royce, CREWE UK Factory, The Best that exists / made Better, without flashy Eleanor Thornton on top of the Bonnet.

Rock Solid, 18 wheelers Strong.

Best of All worlds.

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6

seller

@kerijosephson

Good Morning.
YES:

A/C works.

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1

Does the A/C work?

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1

Hey ABert — Really Nice wheels — its the best color for a Brit Sleeper , so far its a deal ,,might get in at last minute , with a steal bid !!

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0

Bid $14,500 CAD

6

seller

Hagerty Price Guide is Spot On. Please Prepare.

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6

seller

Please Do You search to seek Original MSRP of this Brilliant Masterpiece.
Hammer Will Be 70-80% discounted from that MSRP. Please Prepare.

Nice Retirement Gift to please the whole Family.

Bid, Bid a Lot, and Often.

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HIGHLIGHTS

Lot # 202

Sale Type: With Reserve

Seller: alexbert

Location: Toronto, ON

VIN #: SCBZS02A8JCX23265

155,000 Kilometers (97k miles)

6.75L OHV V8 Engine

Automatic Transmission

Balmoral Green Paint

Tan Leather Interior

Clear Title

Private Party

Hagerty price guide:
Condition 3 - 2
$18,900 - $23,400 CAD

CONTACT SELLER
Verified for
import/export

Est. import costs to $1,027 - $1,282 CAD
(includes fees, duties & taxes)

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