The mention of different manufacturers conjure up different thoughts in the mind of the car enthusiast; Ferrari provokes thoughts of V12’s and glorious racing history, Porsche, its ingenuity and flat 6’s, the name Shelby brings about a romantic story and V8’s fitted were they didn’t belong. Bentley however holds a special place in history, but not without an evolution within a brand that has seen success at LeMans while also being chosen as a head of states mode of transportation. Bentley has always remained performance oriented where it counts, but without sacrificing it’s stature and legacy as a luxury auto manufacturer.

The Bentley Arnage is the result of evolution and the last of it’s kind in many ways. In true Bentley fashion, a well-designed element always seems to linger throughout Bentley’s cars even through the years of progression and change. In this instance, and as a result of the sale of Bentley and Rolls Royce to BMW and Volkswagon, the Arnage from 1999-2006 ended up with the old iron block 6.75L Twin Turbo V8. Originally developed in the 1950’s for the S1. Though the Arnage, in 1998, was the first re-design of Bentley’s flagship sedan since 1980 it still carried this older designed engine, albeit with a big turbo, mated to a GM 4-speed automatic. It suited the car well, providing massive amounts of torque at 616 ft/lb’s. With this however came the need for stiffer chassis, bigger brakes and wheels and beefier suspension to compensate. The end result was a muscular car with presence that only got better once you were inside. Here modern touches such as a Alpine navigations system came standard. The ubiquitous wood veneer is found almost everywhere you look, and where it is not a healthy amount of leather can be found in its place. Cush, quiet, refined and purposeful the Bentley Arnage remains one of the best cars for the money in terms of its value in today’s market place compared to its cost when new; an incredible $260,000 before options.

The example on offer, a 2004 Bentley Arnage Red Label, comes to LBI from its 3^rd owner, and a collector of Bentley’s. Originally delivered new to its first owner, a resident of Connecticut and Florida it remained under this ownership until 2012 at approximately 12,000 miles. Then returning to Florida for 5 more years and 4,000 miles before finding it’s most recent home since late 2018. Today this example shows only 17,256 miles, finished in contrasting desirable colors of Anthracite over Oxblood. While no service records are with the car to document it’s history, the CARFAX does show various services were completed and the facilities that completed the servicing. Additionally these cars are notorious for their reliability and there are no issues to note mechanically from our testing of the car. Included in the sale are three keys, original books, and two umbrella’s as delivered, in the trunk. The Arnage represents tremendous value and a must have for those seeking reliability and old world luxury with modern usability to add to their collection.

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