2002 Bentley Arnage T

This example is one of those rarefied, range-topping Arnage T examples first registered in September of 2002, the first year of Arnage T production. Its chassis number reveals it to be the 245th car built (which would include all models including the Silver Seraph) of a total run of around 2,100 Arnage Ts spanning 2002 to 2009. The T represents the ultimate expression of Bentley’s unique combination of sporting prowess and heritage with optimum refinement and luxury. The Arnage T wore the black enamelled winged radiator and boot badges, that Bentley reserve for only “the most powerful and uncompromising Bentley cars.”

Although being experienced by nine previous keepers, this Arnage T stands out thanks to its modest and linear mileage history. With just 48,153 miles covered to date that equates to a paltry 2,200 a year, on average. Current owner Andy Rouse, of Touring Car fame, acquired the Arnage T in June 2019 to become the 10th registered keeper. At that time the Bentley had covered a shade under 46,000 miles. Owner Andy has added a further 2,000 miles to that total during his five year tenure and it is this general lack of use that now prompts this sale.

Given the Arnage T’s status as the most powerful production model at the time (as well as, reputedly, the world’s fastest production saloon), this example’s rare Fireglow Red livery seems wholly appropriate. The Steve Harper design of the Arnage offers a considerably softened version of the Silver Spirit, akin to those bricks you find on the beech that have been thoroughly rounded off by time and tide.

Whilst not without minor imperfection (which have been captured for your review) the condition appears excellent throughout. The paintwork shines with lustre and the bodywork appears free from noticeable deformations. The panel gaps appear to be impressively true, also.

The Series 2 Arnage retained the overall look of the earlier cars with the matrix grill and quad round headlamps remaining as Bentley signatures. Deeper front and rear panels were new, however, with the front one receiving its own matrix grilled apertures together with flush mounted fog lights. The rear inherited a very subtle integrated spoiler together with large diameter, oval tail pipes as differentiators.

The bright silver of the optional 19-inch, split rim, titanium bolted, alloy wheels contrasts beautifully with that vibrant paintwork. Their condition is in keeping with the rest of the car, and so excellent overall with just the odd minor mark. The wheels are shod with a matching set of Centra Vanti tyres in a 255/50 configuration.

This Arnage’s cabin is a heady mix of prestigious hues, textures, substrates and, quite likely, fragrances. The predominant shade is of the supple Oatmeal hued Connolly leather. Bentley would make much of the 17 “Grade A“ hides that adorn the cabin and you can see why. These combine with the striking Fireglow lambswool carpets, dash top leather and steering wheel to leave you in no doubt as to this car’s quality and exclusivity.

The seats are diamond quilted, hand stitched and deeply cushioned maximising both comfort and support. Full electrical adjustment goes without saying as does two stage heating. There is even a four-setting memory function for both seats with the driver’s side one tying in wing mirror and steering wheel electrical adjustment. The identically trimmed rear cabin consists of two individual outer seats with the large centre arm rest folding away to provide a third, occasional place. A walnut faced panel between the front seats houses a pair of chromed bulls-eye vents and accompanying organ-stop controls. All four main seats are the beneficiaries of embroidered Bentley wing logos to their backrest.

The dashboard fascia is dark stained burr walnut dressed and populated with more chromed bulls-eye vents and familiar white-on-black main instrumentation. Being the sporting flagship the Arnage also features a bank of five supplemental gauges to the centre of the fascia. The raked centre console contains climate and audio controls as well as the gear selector. Even the “racing globe” gear selector is exquisitely hewn to include more Fireglow hide and chrome. An electrically operated steel sunroof is also fitted.

The commodious boot is exquisitely trimmed in more leather edge bound Wilton carpeting. A pair of large umbrellas are fitted and stowed, and an onboard battery charger is noted. This is also home to spare wheel, jack, wheel brace, and tools.

With the re-introduction of the 6.75-litre L-series engine came the GM 4L80-E four-speed automatic gear box. Whilst not necessarily the technological equal of the originally specified BMW hardware, Volkswagen had been through everything with a fine-toothed micrometre. The performance of this not insignificantly proportioned car certainly wasn’t found lacking.

Bentley would talk of the car “altering geography” and not in a Burma becomes Myanma way, either. The 0-60mph time was around 5.5 seconds and a top speed was quoted at 168 mph. Impressive today. Stunning in 2002.

The engine bay of the Arnage marks an interesting developmental stage of the now pervasive engine cover. The behemoth L-series in surrounded in shrouds with a central “window” available through which to view the slumbering beast. It’s as if a shutter is about to roll down at any time to deny you that pleasure. It makes keeping things clean and presentable easier, however, and as such the condition is impressive.

The underside of the Arnage is well catered for with plastic covers, too. Whilst there is some minor damage to one, the acoustic matting and elastomeric coated steel that can be seen looks very presentable.

There is a generous file of paperwork associated with this Arnage, too. The V5 registration document is present. The current MoT is valid until May 2025 and there are stacks of earlier MoTs in hard copy on hand, also.

There are lots of accompanying invoices present also. These document work undertaken, and parts procured from all periods in the Arnage’s history. The most recent of these dates from May this year. A service and associated work (new battery, some new suspension parts, new wiper jets and wiper blades) was undertaken by specialists, N. Sandell, at a cost of over £3,300.

Please note there is only one green valet key with the Bentley.

This period of Arnage is so interesting given the corporate wars that were being waged in the background. With the Series 2 cars, like this one, being the very first to receive any Volkswagen input they became totems for the diligence and engineering values that Wolfsburg could and would bring to the party.

This is a great example of that ethos. A sublime looking example in a thrilling livery and with a strong and diligent maintenance record behind it. The condition is pretty hard to fault, too. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to own 2002’s unofficial holder of world’s fastest production saloon car title? The fact that all this can be available for the cost of a pretty average 3 year old hatchback is just mustard on the bratwurst. 

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £16,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.