Lot 044: 2001 Bentley Arnage T

Making its official debut at the January 2002 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the Arnage T was billed as the most powerful road going Bentley yet and the fastest standard production four-door saloon car in the world. The subject of an �80 million development programme, the newcomer's 6.75litre OHV V8 boasted twin Garrett T3 turbochargers (in place of the single Garrett T4 used by the Red Label model), emissions reducing close-coupled catalytic converters and a Bosch Motronic ME7.1.1 management system. Converted to single-belt drive and housing fifty percent new components, the unit was credited with developing some 456bhp @ 4,100rpm and 875Nm @ 3,250rpm. Fed to the rear wheels via the well-proven GM 4L80-E 4-speed automatic gearbox, these prodigious outputs reputedly enabled the 2.5 tonne Arnage T to sprint from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and reach 168mph. Though, thanks to its well damped all-round independent suspension, four-wheel ventilated ABS disc brakes and Bosch ESP 5.7 stability control, the Bentley proved surprisingly agile. Visually distinguished from the outside by its reprofiled front bumper / air dam, the super saloon also gained a revamped interior with diamond stitch patterning / embroidered Bentley motifs to the seats and a DVD-based satellite navigation system etc. Finished in Desert Dune metallic with Oatmeal leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good overall" condition. A very early Arnage T, 'DK51 KPN' was road registered on November 19th 2001. Reportedly costing "about �170,000 when new", it is further understood to possess a "good service history" with most of the work having been carried out by Bentley West Country and Broughtons. Stated to have covered some 72,000 miles from new and apparently due to be serviced by a marque specialist prior to its arrival at Loseley Park, this exciting super saloon is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until December 2008.