A Bentley Mulsanne once used by Queen Elizabeth II is set to be auctioned with an estimated reserve price of £340,000. The luxury vehicle, customized to the late monarch’s specifications, remained in royal service until 2019 and is now the only one of the two Bentleys she used to enter private ownership.
Commissioned and assembled in 2016, the Mulsanne was painted in Barnato green, the Queen’s preferred color. It featured several unique modifications requested by the monarch, including the removal of passenger armrests and the installation of a bespoke compartment designed to hold her Launer London handbag. While these specific alterations, along with the blue flashing lights, siren, loudspeaker, royal badges, and crests, were removed when the car was decommissioned, some interior elements remain intact. Notably, the electric privacy curtains—originally taken out at the Queen’s request to allow greater visibility to the public—have been reinstated. However, the specially commissioned ashtrays are absent.
This extended wheelbase Mulsanne, measuring 5.8 meters in length with an additional 250mm devoted entirely to rear seating space, was built to be chauffeured rather than driven by the owner. The rear compartment offers extensive legroom and a level of comfort likened to first-class airline seating or a private sitting room. The interior features Cumbrian green leather, burr walnut veneers, twine-trimmed cabin details, deep lambswool carpeting, and a TV with DVD player. The boot contains thick woolen blankets that were regularly maintained by the royal chauffeur.
Beneath its classic exterior, the Mulsanne is powered by a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds and reaching a top speed of 184 mph. Despite its near three-ton weight, the car is noted for its responsive handling and surprisingly tight turning radius. Unlike the Queen’s state Bentley gifted to her in 2002, which is outfitted with ballistic protection and Kevlar tires, this model lacks armor.
During its time in royal service, the vehicle transported the Queen to numerous engagements, including the 80th birthday celebration of Archduchess Helen of Austria, the funeral of Countess Mountbatten of Burma, and British Champions Day at Royal Ascot.
The upcoming sale, managed by Broad Arrow Auctions, has attracted international attention. Ryan Cigana, a director at the auction house, revealed there was early interest from a Middle Eastern royal family member, which was ultimately withdrawn after they realized the vehicle was right-hand drive and unsuitable for their preference to drive it themselves. Auction specialist Freddie Wooodd emphasized the added value of the car’s royal provenance, noting that the ability to experience the same vehicle as Queen Elizabeth adds an intangible premium to its market price.
While comparable Mulsannes of similar age and mileage typically command around £150,000, the combination of historic significance and bespoke features is expected to drive interest and influence the final auction price, set to be determined when the hammer falls.