Requiem for the Six and Three-Quarters–Bentley ends production of the iconic 6.75-liter V8

You have to feel it to appreciate it. A low rumble you feel in your gut before it even hits your ears. A waterfall of unrelenting power that pushes you into your seat. A glorious roar that fills the countryside as the scenery turns into a blur.

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This is what you feel when you aggressively step on the accelerator when it’s connected to an eight-cylinder engine that displaces six and three-quarters–the very same powerplant that propels cars with the winged B badge.

And it’s a visceral sensation that will no longer be felt in a brand-new Bentley in the near future. That’s because the boys from Crewe have announced the inevitable–that they will stop producing the iconic hand-made 6.75-liter V8 that have been powering Bentleys since time immemorial.

Produced in basically the same configuration for more than six decades, the mighty 6.75-liter V8 has reached the end of its enduring run, with the final motor emerging from assembly at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, England, on June 1. A dedicated team of seven people, who between them have a combined experience of 105 years, built the last example of the iconic L-Series engine that debuted in 1959. Thirty-six thousand units of this engine were made in 61 years.

The last L-Series engine will power the 30th—and last—commissioned Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner. This bespoke series closes the Mulsanne’s production run, and celebrates the life of its iconic engine with a myriad of V8-inspired details. Among these are special badging, blueprint graphics, and even ventilation “organ stops” featuring a miniature version of the oil cap.

“Our venerable 6.75-liter V8 has powered the flagship Bentley for more than six decades, and so has earned its retirement,” said Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing, Peter Bosch. “Now, we look forward to the future of Bentley, powered by our exceptional W12, sporting 4.0-liter V8 and, of course, our efficient V6 Hybrid—the start of our journey toward electrification.”

Every single 6.75-liter V8 engine was created by hand, and even the modern ones take 15 hours to build. Key internal components are individually chosen to form a matching, balanced set so that the engine runs perfectly smoothly—a skill that takes years to perfect. Once completed, and after thorough testing, the engine is signed off by one of Bentley’s engine specialists. The signature is affixed to a plate in the front of the engine.

With the Mulsanne bowing out of production once the 30 6.75 Edition cars are built, the all-new Flying Spur will become Bentley’s flagship model. The Flying Spur, set to receive a hybrid powertrain in 2023, symbolizes Bentley’s commitment to change and its journey to define the future of sustainable luxury mobility. One of the world’s most sought-after luxury car brands has already taken its first step on the road towards electrification with the launch of the Bentayga Hybrid—the luxury SUV sector’s first, true plug-in hybrid and the most efficient Bentley ever.

For more information, contact Bentley PH at +63917 837 0527 and +63917 140 2266. You may also reach us through our social media platforms: facebook.com/bentleymanila and instagram.com/bentley_manila.