2002 Bentley Arnage T

The vehicle we are offering offers what many would class as the ‘proper’ engine – the tried-and-tested - it first saw action in 1959 – 6.75 L-Series V8, aided by not one, but two turbochargers. This is the Arnage T, meaning it has even more power than the figures quoted in the previous section - it’s actually able to muster 456hp with a show-stopping 875Nm of torque. Those figures are impressive by today’s standards, let alone 2002, which is the vintage of this car.

Despite weighing the best part of 2.5 tons, when the mood strikes you, the Arnage T can be hustled to 60mph in just 5.5 seconds, and continue, where possible, to 170mph. Not bad for a car that is over 20 years old. Not only did this power at the time make it Bentley’s most powerful road-going model, but it was also the world’s most powerful four-door saloon to boot.

Despite being produced over two decades ago, this example has just covered under 32,000 miles and has been carefully looked after/stored in its time. It’s finished in Silver Storm, which looks almost as good as the day it left the Crewe production line, as well as a sumptuous cream leather interior that looks as if it’s been frozen in time thanks to its wonderful condition.

Finished in a timeless Silver Storm, the Arnage T is a car that has plenty of presence, along with style, and with a length of over five metres, there is lots of it to enjoy. This example, as mentioned, has covered just 31,293 and has been carefully stored over the years, making this car very presentable. As well as looking classic in its design, it also has a brutish air about, which one would expect from any self-respecting car with the famous ‘B’ emblem on the front.

Helping to add to the road presence there are 19” alloys, finished with silver and black centre caps, all of which are in fine condition. The brightwork and glassware are also in tip top condition as are the lights – the headlight lenses on this model are plastic as opposed to glass used on earlier models.

In fact, there are few impurities to comment on this example, making it a credit to its former keepers. There are some small blemishes on the front bumper as well as fine scratch on the rear bumper, but these are far from detractors from what is otherwise a very well appointed example.

If you thought the exterior was impressive, wait until you see the inside. Step over the Arnage-branded kick plates and you’ll find a very lavish affair that exudes luxury. The quilted leather needs to do very little to invite you in to take a seat, and once you have done so, you are met with tasteful wood finishes with chrome touches.

The seats have worn very well, almost leading you to believe that they have never been used and have somehow been suspended in time, and the buttons on the seats are further evidence to that. The headlining is also in very good condition – free from any sagging, damage or stains, once more showing that this has been well looked after.

As well as offering a high amount of comfort, those in the front can have the additional benefit of heated seats, which nowadays we almost take for granted in modern cars, but back in 2002 that was a real luxury feature.

Move on to the rear and once you’ll find an area that looks as it’s never been touched, and although there is technically seats for three, it’s better suited for two to get the most amount of comfort. There is also a centre armrest to give even more comfort for longer journeys, which also has storage as well.

At the very heart of this car is the powerplant, which is the aforementioned 6.75 litre L-Series V8, which in the case of the Red Label variant offers one Garrett turbocharger, but for the T – and the R, for that matter – there’s another one thrown in for good measure. The results speak for themselves with power coming in at over 450hp and torque that’s getting towards 900Nm. It may not be as advanced as the BMW unit it replaces, but it certainly adds more grunt!

This power is fed to the rear wheels via a GM sourced 4-speed automatic, although this was swapped in favour for a 6-speed ZF when the car was facelifted in 2007. The Garrett turbos were also swapped out at this time in favour for Mitsubishi units.

Despite its low mileage, previous owners have made sure to ensure the car has been serviced, giving this car’s new owner peace of mind. As the documentation shows, the car has been looked after by Bentley Hertfordshire with services taking place almost every year between 2004 and 2022, the last of which was carried out at 29,328 miles. Unsurprisingly for a car that’s been looked after as much as this, and the mileage, the last MOT was a clean sheet and is valid until May next year.

Having been registered in 2002, this example has changed hands a few times, and the current owner is looking to move it on due to a change in circumstances, but has described this car as a lovely example. The V5 currently isn’t present, but the vendor has applied for it and is waiting for it to come through the post. This example sailed through its last MOT, which is valid until May next year and there is plenty of service history, which has all been carried out by a Bentley main dealer.

There’s plenty to like with the Arnage T – apart from the fuel economy perhaps. It has a timeless yet brutish exterior, which commands presence, with an interior that will help you waft along many miles in comfort and luxury. Of course, it goes without saying that you also have that thumping great 6.75 V8 under the bonnet as well...

This is a fine example of an Arnage T, with low miles, and we estimate that it will sell for £20,000-£25,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.