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The last of the real Bentleys? It can be said the Arnage T that first appeared at the 2002 International Motor Show in a snow-covered Detroit really was a celebration of ‘old Bentley’. Not by choice, more circumstance as a battle raged between VW and BMW over who-owned-what during the takeovers of Rolls Royce & Bentley. Whilst BMW benefitted from the RR power units that had previously propelled both marques, VW were forced to look back decades for Bentleys last V8 motor and bring it up to speed for the new millennium. Motorweek said at the time ‘the Arnage T is an over-the-top expression of wealth and acceleration’ and by taking a fresh approach, installing new electronics and fitting a pair of Garett T3 turbo’s they created a tire shredding beast in the guise of a stately home.

The driveline begins with the L675 V8 engine of 412 cu in (6753cc) producing 450bhp @ 4100rpm with a tarmac chewing 645ft lbs torque @ 3250rpm which allows 2.6 tons to accelerate to 60mph in just 5.5 seconds and run onto 168mph. Bosch Motronic ME7.1.1 engine-management system gave Bentley its first electronic drive-by-wire throttle. All this performance is channelled through a General Motors 4 speed auto transmission with electronic gear actuation and adaptive shift which tailors ratio changes to your driving style. Anti slip (ASR) control is standard and (ESP) offers all round traction stability whilst the double wishbone independent suspension enjoys selectable sports mode, automatic ride control and adjustable dampers; bringing all this performance to a halt are vented discs front and rear with ABS and HBA that reduces stopping distances with aquaplane detection.

Due to storage issues Country Classic Cars are forced to release another notable vehicle from the private collection of owner Paul Gravely. Currently showing 69600 miles this Arnage T was actually registered by Bentley six weeks prior to official launch. One of their UK press and display fleet for the first three years of its life, as a consequence there is no history up until this point when it was sold.

3^rd service 03/06/05 @ 28521Main dealer

4^th Service 31/01/06 @ 38556 Main dealer

5^th Service 09/05/08 @ 57590 Specialist

6^th Service 08/05/09 @ 59971 Specialist

7^th Service 08/05/10 @ 65961 Specialist

At this point the car changed hands onto a well-known collector in Sussex who used it sparingly initially before putting it into storage from 2013. Seven years on Paul at Country Classic Cars took custody and as time permitted carried out a full service:

8^th Service 07/07/23 @ 68940 … also replaced 4 tyres, brake calipers rebuilt with new pads, rear suspension shock gaiters, new batteries and coolant change.

The MOT history is available on line or in paper form with us and a fresh 12 month certificate will come with the car.

At Country Classic Cars we find it’s best to present a detailed write up of any classic we sell, be it a commission sale or in this case in house. We set out to present both the good and bad aspects which can only be achieved after a full inspection. This helps to avoid ‘buyer’s remorse’ especially for those purchasing from abroad or interested parties travelling distances to view.

Visually the Diamond Black Metallic works exceptionally well with the Arnage, adding to the impressive stature this large saloon enjoys. We noted a small stone chip on the bonnet leading edge and the near side rear quarter features a crack in the paint with a corresponding mark on the rear light lens. The driver’s door also has a couple of small chips on the outer edge and the exterior door mirror glass has delaminated with a small crack in the casing, these blemishes are shown on the sales video (details below). The 19 inch split rims have faired rather well with just the o/s rear carrying minor kerb marks; the recent Perelli rubber all round has only covered 500 miles.

The interior is a delight in many ways, sports seats wrapped in ‘Grade A’ Connolly black leather, diamond quilted throughout with contrasting stitching and complemented with unmarked Wilton carpets and veneer to dash and centre console. Three of the four door cappings have suffered from lacquer separation from the veneer in the area around the unlock knob, also we feel the air conditioning would benefit from a re gas. With a never ending standard and options list including 6 cd changer, electric heated seating, power adjustable steering column etc etc … too much to detail here but these luxuries operated correctly when tested.

After several months in hibernation, some fresh fuel brought the magnificent V8 to life instantly and once it settled a local route was chosen to ensure all is working well. Whilst the focus is often on the Arnage T for its staggering performance a leisurely cruise feels suitably civilised within the opulent cabin. Silent power and seamless ratio changes just waft you into the distance, the driving experience is everything you would expect of a car that launched at twice the price of an S-Class Mercedes. Even Jeremy Clarkson declared his love for the Arnage T … claiming it was ‘magnificent’ but we prefer the brochure advice. ‘Recalibrate your expectations, now clear your mind. And go.

For additional information please message with your email address for detailed images (wheels etc) we recommend viewing our short walk-round video; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap if you supply your mobile phone number. Speak to the owner Paul Gravely to complete the picture but please remember Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only as our cars are kept in secure storage, currently we are happy to offer unhindered viewings with test drives on request.