It looks like the 2020 Bentley Mulsanne will be the swansong for the company's excellent 6.75-liter V8 engine. The V8, known as the L-Series, has been in production since 1959, making it the longest-running V8 engine on the market. Nearly 36,000 examples of the L-Series have been built over the past 60 years for use in 23 different Bentley models including the current Mulsanne.

Sadly, Bentley has just announced a final special edition of the car called the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner. This special edition pays homage to the legendary engine that has powered the Mulsanne since it arrived on the market and celebrates its 60th continuous year in production. What a fitting send-off for such a staple in British motoring history.

Bentley says the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner will be restricted to just 30 cars, making it extremely rare, though not quite as rare as some other Mulsanne special editions. The 6.75 Edition by Mulliner will continue to produce 530 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque from its mighty twin-turbo V8. The car is fitted with numerous Mulliner touches that pay homage to the engine such as organ stop ventilation controls that have been replaced with mini versions of the oil cap, special 6.75 Edition badging and puddle lights, and a cutaway schematic of the engine in the gauges.

The exterior can be painted in any color but the Flying B bonnet mascot, Mulliner Serenity radiator grille, and exhaust are all finished in a dark tint. 21-inch five-spoke Mulsanne Speed wheels cap off the look. Under the hood, the engine plaque will be signed by Bentley's Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmar.

Production of the Mulsanne will end in Spring 2020 and when it's gone, the Flying Spur will take over as Bentley's flagship model. Bentley believes the Mulsanne is bowing out just as customers are starting to demand other models. By 2023, the Flying Spur will receive a hybrid variant, as Bentley shows its commitment to a sustainable future.

"The Mulsanne has played a pivotal role in maintaining Bentley's position as global leader of the luxury limousine segment. The flagship of our model range, its longevity is a testament to our ongoing commitment to hand-building the finest motor cars in the world. The new Mulsanne 6.75 Edition is the culmination of that achievement," said Chris Craft, Member of the Board, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Bentley Motors.