2003 Bentley Arnage T

Description

Amendment: service history; two owners from new, the current since 2004; only 30,800 miles; top spec T model with 459bhp and 645lb/ft; always garaged and very smart throughout

At its launch in 1998, the Bentley Arnage used a twin-turbo version of BMW’s 4.4-litre V8 which produced 349bhp and 420lb/ft of torque, sufficient to launch the 2.5 tonne beast to 60mph in just 6.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 160mph. Equally impressive was the price tag - £160,000 excluding options.

By 2002, an even more powerful version had been introduced, the Arnage T, which featured a comprehensively re-engineered version of Bentley's big 6.75-litre V8 including a new Bosch engine management system and twin turbos which raised the output to 459bhp and 645lb/ft – sufficient grunt to crack 60mph in 5.5 seconds and touch 170mph flat out, making it the fastest road-going Bentley ever made.

But it isn’t the colossal performance that makes the Arnage T special; it is the fabulous interior that really impresses anyone lucky enough to get inside. In the words of Jeremy Clarkson: “It’s like Blenheim Palace – on speed!”

First registered in September 2003, this lovely Arnage T has had just two owners from new, our vendor acquiring the car when it was just 14 months old. Always kept garaged in the current 19-year ownership, it looks most impressive in Black Sapphire (a very dark blue metallic) with 19-inch alloys, quilted Linen leather seats (heated for the driver and front passenger) and French Navy leather dash top and carpets.

It has covered only 30,774 miles to date, as warranted by 13 old MOTs, the current MOT being valid until August 2024. The MOTs show that it has only covered around 1,000 miles in the last 8 years, hence the reason for sale.

There are a few invoices for recent upkeep including two new rear suspension spheres, new a/r/b bushes and new handbrake shoes in 2013 at 27,938 miles. In 2017 it went to HR Owen in Cheltenham to cure a misfire which turned out to be blown intake manifold gasket so this was replaced with a new one.  In 2018 it had 8 new spark plugs and a new exhaust temperature sensor at 30,332 miles. Immediately before the auction it had a new alternator and n/s/f caliper at 30,763 miles.

Supplied with two sets of keys and a pair of umbrellas in the boot, it also has a Bentley automatic battery charger and a Tracker theft recovery system, although the subscription for this will need to be renewed by the next owner. Being a 2003 model it benefits from cheaper £395 per annum road tax.

Starting promptly and running beautifully as we have moved it around on site, it is now due for a service as indicated by the message that comes up on start-up. An exceptionally clean and tidy example, this top-of-the-range Arnage T now needs a third owner who can give it the more regular exercise it deserves.

Amendment: The handbooks for this car have now been located. The service book has six stamps, the first three at the supplying dealer, Jack Barclay of London SW8 and the last three at Broughtons Bentley of Cheltenham. The last stamp was at 21,156 miles in October 2009. 

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com