Bentley Mulsanne (1980–1992) History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
Start with a make and model. Add a year where a detailed guide is available.
Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
Browse this model's history and yearsHistory
The 1980 Mulsanne was the first Bentley in years to carry a name rather than a letter, taken from the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans where the marque made its name. Mechanically it was a Bentley-badged Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, sharing the 6.75-litre V8.
Its real significance was the 1982 Mulsanne Turbo, which added roughly 50% more power and reasserted a distinct, sporting Bentley identity for the first time in decades. The Mulsanne Turbo led directly to the handling-focused Turbo R and is widely credited with starting the revival that ultimately saved the company and split Bentley back out as its own brand. The saloon ran to 1992, the closely related Eight serving as the entry model.
Body styles
- Saloon
Notable special editions & performance variants
Mulsanne Turbo
The turbocharged Mulsanne that revived Bentley's performance image and launched the modern sporting Bentley line.
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Bentley Mulsanne (1980–1992)
Search Amazon across available years, colors, and scales. Exact releases vary, so confirm the listing before ordering.