Lot details
Registration No: RJI 34
Chassis No: SCBLC32EXYCH05354
Mot Expiry: Nov 2010

The Bentley Arnage and its Rolls-Royce sibling, the Silver Seraph, were phased in during the spring of 1998 as replacements for derivatives of the long-serving Mulsanne (Bentley) and Silver Spirit (Rolls-Royce). In a break with tradition, it was decided the bodies for the new cars would be built at the Bentley factory in Crewe, while the engines would be outsourced. Initially available as a single model, the Arnage was powered by a DOHC 4.4-litre BMW engine force fed by twin turbochargers. However, it was around this time that Bentley passed into the hands of the Volkswagen Group and Rolls-Royce was acquired by BMW. Not surprisingly, BMW declined to see a rival marque powered by one of their engines, so Volkswagen were forced to find an alternative power plant for the Arnage. In fact they sourced two and created the option of the Arnage Red Label and Arnage Green Label, thereby reviving names from Bentley's glorious vintage period. The Red Label was powered by a Cosworth-built version of the Bentley's stalwart single-turbo OHV 6.75-litre V8, as fitted to the company's Turbo R model - this delivered a stump-pulling 616 lb ft of torque. The Green Label on the other hand utilised a Bentley-modified version of the Arnage's original BMW unit. Coincident with the change in engines, the models were treated to additional legroom, a stiffer bodyshell, larger brakes accommodated by bigger wheels and an increased specification including integrated satellite navigation and park distance control. Production of the Green Label was very short lived and ended in 2000, while a series two version of the Red Label was introduced in 2002. The Arnage range was finally superseded by a new Mulsanne model in 2009.

The righthand drive Arnage Red Label being auctioned was manufactured in 2001. Its coachwork is finished in Meteor Metallic, while the luxurious interior is trimmed in slate/barley hide. It was specified new with colour-keyed mirrors, bumpers and radiator shell plus a polished radiator matrix. The interior was also reportedly upgraded to a higher specification than standard. It is claimed that no expense has been spared in the maintenance of this car, including a major investment over 2007/2008. Recent attention has included new batteries, refurbished alloy wheels and a new MOT. The car's file includes the original factory build sheet. We understand from the vendors that the car has covered some 71,000 miles from new and always served as a second vehicle. They describe this imposing Arnage as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork.