2005 Bentley ARNAGE

This Arnage T left Crewe in August 2005, which means it arrived just after the front-end facelift was introduced. This new twin-lamp treatment gave the Arnage front-end a more modern style, in-keeping with its Continental GT sibling. Having covered just over 56,000 miles from new, and in very good order throughout, this highly desirable and usable premium saloon oozes elegance.

When it was new, it cost twice as much as a contemporary Mercedes-Benz S-Class and as a result, it’s just as loaded with gadgets as its German competitor. In addition to the vast array of factory options, including two-way adjustable electrically-operated front seats, electronic stability control, air-conditioning, six-disc CD autochanger and parking distance sensors front and rear, this T was also trimmed to Mulliner spec also benefitting from a useful audio and Bluetooth upgrade curtesy of Parrot. These are the kind of upgrades you want in 2020 that add to, rather than diminish, this Bentley’s luxurious character.

Hand finished in Silver Tempest Metallic, the paint on this Arnage T is simply jaw-dropping. In full light it gleams with a near pearlescent shimmer and yet, out of direct sun, its mirror-like panels are punctuated with hints of purple. Just looking at the finish of this Arnage you can sense the hundreds of meticulous man hours that went into its creation.

Thankfully, all that expert craftsmanship remains near totally unblemished by time. A couple of areas are just beginning to show the first signs of corrosion under the paint. The lower portion of the nearside front wing has a patch of bubbling that hasn’t broken through yet and there’s a similar (though far less prominent) section visible in the same part of the offside wing. A small number of very mild stone chips and scratches are visible, under close scrutiny, the worst of which can be found on the nearside front wing’s leading edge. These minor blemishes don’t detract from the stately impression this old Bentley makes and many would be very simple to restore; if they even bother you at all.

This Arnage T was specified with the optional Le Mans front wing vents and quad exhaust tips. Both of which look fantastic and really raise the sporting appeal of the car over the standard spec. The seller informs us that the optional, and highly desirable, 20-inch Brooklands split-rim alloy wheels have just been refurbished, which explains their spotless appearance. All are shod in matching mid-range Nexen tyres with plenty of tread remaining.

As mentioned earlier, a Bentley needs to not only offer blistering performance, but also has to cocoon its occupants in a grand and sumptuous environment. A shabby cabin instantly pops this illusion but thankfully, this example remains in exceptional condition. There’s barely any wear visible at all, it’s as near to new as you could expect for a car from this era.

The standard Arnage was a pretty agreeable place to be, but this Arnage T has received a substantial interior upgrade from legendary trimmers Mulliner. The upholstery in this Arnage T is the full black Beluga primary and secondary hide with Portland twin-stitching covering the seats and door cards. The latter of which are, in turn, capped in a combination of solid walnut with optional machine turned aluminium inserts. Rightly proud of its work on this car, the Mulliner inscription can been seen on the door kick plates and front wings.

There’s a few more touches that set this Arnage T apart from lesser examples. The pair of Bentley umbrellas in the fully-trimmed boot for one, and the phone mounted in the centre console another. The premium audio system also benefits from a remote control that’s housed in its own trim pocket on the driver’s side of the transmission tunnel.

There’s not really a lot to say about the mechanical bits on this Arnage T. Our brief drive revealed nothing out of the ordinary. We also couldn’t get a good look past all of the plastic trim that’s still protecting its underside. The exposed sections of the front anti-roll bar and suspension looked in excellent order as did the steel sections of the floor and subframes. Both retained a healthy dose of their factory underseal and even surface corrosion was hard to spot.

The exhaust system, likely the one the car was supplied with new, is showing some age-related corrosion. Nothing serious and largely limited to its joints, it’s likely that a fresh set of clamps would be all that would conceivably be required in the coming years. It’s hard to be sure without getting this Arnage up on a lift and removing all that protective plastic, but we’d be very surprised if it wasn’t as good underneath as it is on top.

We include an online HPI report run at the auction start which shows no finance outstanding and no insurance markers for theft or damage.

Supplied with the original Bentley service and owner manuals, full of a myriad of stamps indicating several conscientious former owners, this Arnage T has led a charmed life. The ‘book’ includes its delivery documentation showing a page-long list of options (several of which we weren’t able to decode) and the initial pre-delivery inspection from July 2005 by Bentley Motors Harwood, West Sussex.

Supplied new to Scotland, this Arnage was cared for in its first five years by Bentley Motors Glasgow. It returned to the Bothwell Road dealership annually for servicing and care until August 2010, having covered just 28,472 miles at that time.

Travelling back down south for its next service in 2012, now entrusted to Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists Harwells of London, it remained in the capital until very recently. Several changes of specialists for servicing requirements can be seen in the intervening years, from Hadley Garages finally to Cresta Motors, the latter of which carried out its last recorded service in February 2020 at 53,932 miles (it’s currently on 56,002 miles).

A fabulous entry into Bentley ownership or an upgrade for an Arnage owner wanting a higher spec; this example exudes class and refinement from every curve. Its Mulliner-fettled cabin can still impress even the most discerning of luxury car collectors. We estimate £23,000 - £27,000.

Or perhaps you’re looking for a wedding hire vehicle that’s a little easier on the maintenance than an older classic? Maybe you just want to waft around in a luxury saloon with the performance to worry a super car. Whatever your intention, we’re confident that this Arnage T has you covered.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor; 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’.