Lot 419: 2003 Bentley Arnage R Saloon

Emphasising its racing heritage, Bentley Motors unveiled the new Arnage in April 1998 at Le Sarthe circuit, home of the Le Mans 24-Hour Race and scene of its greatest triumphs in the 1920s. Bentley, together with parent company Rolls-Royce Motors, was in collaboration with BMW at this time, and the Arnage was the first Bentley to benefit from the Munich firm’s engine technology in the form of an all-new 4.4-litre 32-valve twin-turbocharged V8 power unit. However, Bentley’s subsequent acquisition by Volkswagen resulted in a partial volte face, with the ‘old’ 6.75-litre push-rod V8 being reintroduced on some models, beginning with the Arnage Red Label that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1999. The BMW-engined car lived on as the Green Label, while the Red Label version boasted redesigned front suspension to cope with the heavier ‘big block’ engine, together with brakes of increased diameter. In addition, subtle alterations were made to the interior, resulting in 2 inches more legroom for rear seat passengers, while features that had previously been ‘extras’ (power-fold door mirrors, for example) were included as standard. Despite its older and simpler engine design, the Arnage Red Label amply demonstrated the truth of the old saying: ‘there’s no substitute for cubic inches‘, by comfortably eclipsing its more-modern sibling in the horsepower stakes, producing 420bhp to the Green Label’s 350. The larger engine’s stupendous torque, available from idling speed upwards, made the Green Label’s five-speed automatic transmission superfluous, so the Red Label reverted to a four-speed auto ’box.
In March 2002, a heavily revised version - the Arnage R - was introduced at the Geneva Salon, replacing the Arnage Red Label. Gone was the original’s single Garrett T4 turbocharger, which had been replaced by a pair of smaller T3s providing superior throttle response and higher catalytic converter temperatures for reduced emissions. Also new was the Bosch Motronic engine management system, a state-of-the-art means of integrating all the usual functions with an increased number of other variables to provide an ‘Electronic Stability Program’ (ESP) - an advanced form of traction control. Maximum power was now 405bhp and the top speed 155mph.
This Bentley Arnage R was sold new to the current (company) owner via Jack Barclay Ltd on 28th January 2003 and has covered circa 21,800 miles in total. Finished in Diamond Black with matching leather interior, the car incorporates almost every conceivable non-cost option, including satellite navigation and parking sensors, as well as a sunroof. Presented in immaculate condition, it is offered with stamped service book, owner’s manuals, current road fund licence and Swansea V5 registration document.