Over £20,000 spent on upkeep since 2018 – a fabulous example
THE APPEAL
The Arnage was the last of the real, true V8-powered Bentleys. Vast, extremely comfortable and the absolute epitome of luxury, it ran from 1998 until 2009. It was initially sold with a BMW engine, but following VW’s acquisition of Bentley in 2000, it reverted back to the traditional (and preferable) 6.75-litre V8, which in the R trim offered for sale here was equipped with twin turbochargers giving it 450bhp and a 170mph top speed. 0-60mph was despatched in just 5.5 seconds.
This one is a fabulous example, having brought up to show standard by its fastidious current owner. He adores the car and has spent thousands on it, but the recent addition of an Arnage Mulliner to his collection, which he has been after for a long time, means it now needs to go to create space for the new car.
It’s an incredible example, having been looked after during the vendor’s tenure by Colbrook Specialists, one of the UK’s leading Rolls-Royce and Bentley independents. front.jpg1.13 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Verified genuine mileage
Service book stamped to 80,201 miles, most recently by Colbrook specialists
Original handbooks and manual
Two sets of keys
UK V5C
MOT valid to December 2023
Over £20,000 spent since 2018
Previously owned by a doctor in the Norfolk area who lost the early history file.
MOT history for the previous 10 years up to the point the vendor bought the car shows no fails/all passes which gave a good indication of the car being well maintained
Religiously maintained since by Colbrook R&B specialists (Rolls Royce & Bentley specialist in Stilton, Peterborough) with annual servicing and additional works carried out where necessary in order to keep the car in A1 condition, as it is today
Regularly waxed and polished with few people allowed to touch it. It has previously been entered in the RREC’s annual Concours D'Elegance rally for judging
The car is free of finance, not stolen/recovered, nor subject of any insurance write-off category
Original Bentley BOOM report showing complete build spec
The Arnage is a truly opulent car both front and rear, and is superbly presented with no evident flaws.
It features beige leather interior with blue piping accents and a blue leather roll top to the dashboard - all in excellent condition with no rips or tears. The rear seats look like they have hardly been used.
All the walnut door cappings and dashboard fascia are in superb condition with no delamination of varnish anywhere throughout the car. It also features factory option walnut wooden door panels, also in flawless order, as are the optional rear drop down walnut tables.
All the carpets and lower door carpet protection areas are in A1 clean and unworn condition, other than some very minor wear to the driver's footwell but there are no rips or tears. All the interior electrical systems, switches, windows and sunroof work as they should, as do the dials and factory head unit, with CD changer in the boot.
Also in the luggage area are four Bentley umbrellas and the original tool kit, spare bulbs and repair gloves.
The Bentley has an imposing presence in its original Peacock Blue paint, which retains a deep and wonderful shine. It’s very well presented with no major flaws or damage – the only minor issues we could find being a tiny bubble next to the Bentley badge on the boot lid and some very minor delamination on a wheel centre cap.
There are some very minor stone chips along the front of the car but these are few and far between. The car was ceramic treated a few years ago and has been regularly cleaned and polished by a professional car detailer every month.
All of the exterior chrome accents are in superb condition bar the rear number plate surround which is breaking down slightly under the lip of the boot lid - it is chromed plastic.
All areas underneath the car show minimal signs of rust or need for treatment. back.jpg1.02 MB
THE MECHANICS
6.75-litre twin turbo V8
Starts and runs perfectly
Super-smooth auto transmission
Impeccably maintained by noted specialist
Being a 2004 car, this one has the Rolls-Royce 6.75-litre V8 under the bonnet – one of the last Bentleys to do so. It’s an absolute peach of an engine and runs sweetly, with no evident issues. The vendor reports that it drives faultlessly, with great performance, brakes, steering and handling – as you’d expect from a car that has been properly cared for.
All the wheel geometry and suspension systems are said to be in perfect working order with regular wheel balancing and alignment checks carried out as part of the servicing.
The car was last serviced in April 2023 at Colbrook, the invoice for which is included in the history file. eng.jpg552.83 KB
SUMMARY
Collectors are falling over themselves for the best of the Arnages – considered by many to be the last ‘true’ Bentley. This one is absolutely terrific – finished in a glorious colour scheme, it presents beautifully and has an excellent pedigree, as well as a warranted low mileage.
It has been fastidiously cared for and improved by the vendor, who has adored being custodian to the car, and it is presented in a condition that is sure to delight the car’s next lucky owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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