2013 Bentley Mulsanne - Former Bentley Special Ops with Royal Household Duties

For many decades the Royal fleet of official cars consisted of Rolls-Royce Phantom and Daimler DS420 limousines. Traditionally finished in Garnet over black, with the Coat of Arms on the doors and carrying the Royal Standard pennant, they were used for all manner of State occasions. By the turn of the century, though, both the Phantom VI and DS420 had been out of production for many years, and in 2001 it was decided that the Royal Family's fleet of cars needed updating. One of four Royal Warrant holders for the supply of vehicles, Bentley Motors Limited was commissioned to design and build two State Limousines to be ready in time for HM The Queen's Golden Jubilee tour of Great Britain in 2002. Subsequently it was decided that a more-subtle but no less luxurious car would be needed for The Queen's Diamond Jubilee year of 2012 and nce again, Bentley was asked to fulfil the brief, and came up with a very special version of their top-of-the-range Mulsanne.

The current complement of State Cars still includes two Mulsannes and there are a number of semi-State cars available for “less formal situations and general support”, however, from time to time, the Royal Mews will require additional cars on a short-term basis. In addition to providing Press Cars and transport for visiting dignitaries, Bentley Press and Special Vehicle Operations are occasionally asked to provide an additional Bentley or two. As can be seen in the attached image, DA63 XGO has been pressed into Royal service on at least one occasion, in this case transporting HRH Prince Charles to an official engagement.

Offered here is a glorious Bentley Mulsanne supplied internally in December 2013 to the Bentley Press and Special Vehicle Operations and stylishly finished in Dark Sapphire with a Magnolia leather interior. Like its predecessor, the long-lived Arnage, the Mulsanne is powered by a 6.75-litre V8 engine, albeit one totally redesigned and equipped with twin-turbochargers, cylinder de-activation, and variable cam timing to meet the Euro 5 emissions regulations. Despite this requirement, the all-new engine comfortably matches its venerable predecessor, producing 505bhp at a mere 4,200rpm, with peak torque of 725lb/ft arriving at 1,750 revs, all transmitted to the rear wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Presented for auction in showroom condition, DA63 XGO has covered just 33,182 miles, supported by a comprehensive Bentley service history with the most recent courtesy of Bentley Leeds in February 2022. The car’s history file details attention as follows; 30 miles - PDI Bentley Special Vehicle Ops 12/13, 4,013 miles – Jack Barclay 2/15, 7,817 miles – Bentley Special Vehicle Ops 1/16, 11,018 miles – Bentley Manchester 7/17, 18,482 miles – Bentley Manchester 7/18, 27,202 – Bentley Manchester 8/19. Off the road during Covid and subsequently serviced at 31,018 miles with Bentley Leeds on 1st February 2022.

A motorcar with enormous presence, on inspection the Dark Sapphire paintwork retains a deep, even gloss finish across the entire bodywork and the leather upholstery appears virtually flawless as seen in the detailed imagery. On test we are informed the Mulsanne performed without fault and to quote The Sunday Times “manages the beguiling trick of combining the atmosphere of a country house library with the ability to out-accelerate most sports cars, a feat all the more surprising in the light of its unmissable scale.”

In summary, this is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a fine Mulsanne, absolutely on the button and driving well, a fabulous motor car in its own right, however, the additional cachet of having been used by His Royal Highness, King Charles III makes it really special.