Description

The Bentley Mulsanne Turbo, introduced in 1982, marked a bold step in Bentley’s modern history by reintroducing performance as a defining characteristic of the brand. Named after the famous Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans, the Mulsanne Turbo combined the stately luxury of a traditional Bentley saloon with an unexpectedly powerful turbocharged engine, bringing back the marque’s sporting spirit that had been somewhat dormant since the early post-war years.

At its heart was the venerable 6.75-litre V8 engine, but now fitted with a Garrett AiResearch turbocharger. This addition significantly increased power output (though Bentley didn’t officially quote figures at the time), transforming the car’s character. The torque delivery was especially impressive, providing swift, seamless acceleration and a top speed in excess of 130 mph — quite remarkable for such a large and heavy luxury vehicle.

Cosmetically, the Mulsanne Turbo was discreet in its appearance, maintaining the elegant, boxy shape of the standard Mulsanne with only subtle cues such as alloy wheels, a “Turbo” badge, and slightly sportier trim elements to hint at its enhanced capabilities. The suspension was refined to handle the increased performance, and the car featured uprated brakes and a stiffer chassis setup for improved handling.

Inside, it was every inch a Bentley — rich leather upholstery, hand-polished walnut veneer, deep-pile carpets, and a dashboard packed with analogue instruments. Despite its conservative appearance, the Mulsanne Turbo could rival many dedicated sports cars in a straight line while offering a far more refined and opulent driving experience.

The Mulsanne Turbo not only revived the performance credentials of Bentley but also laid the groundwork for future turbocharged models such as the Turbo R, which would take the concept even further. It was produced until 1985 and remains a significant car in Bentley’s history — a luxurious gentleman’s express that redefined expectations for a car bearing the winged “B”.