1998 Bentley Arnage

• Bought by our vendors late husband new in 1998, it has been fastidiously maintained throughout its life
• Accompanied by a copy of its build sheet, this car comes with its maintenance booklet detailing no less than 22 recorded services
• All of these were carried out by Michael Powell of Leicester and more latterly Bentley Birmingham
• Most recent service included tyre replacement due to age not wear of course
• One family ownership, less than 6,000 miles, a full service history and on offer at No Reserve seems a once in a lifetime opportunity

Built and designed in Crewe under BMW’s short-lived stewardship and named after a famous corner at Le Mans, the Arnage Green Label was to be all new, and featured BMW’s proven 4.4-litre V8 with the addition of twin-turbos and some serious engineering input from the brains at Cosworth. With 349bhp and 420lb/ft, the car had impressive mid-range and low-down punch, weighed less than the out-going model (and those that followed it), and boasted a five-speed automatic gearbox which offered greater flexibility and much improved economy over the, somewhat Neanderthal, four-speed 6.75-litre previous arrangements. The Arnage cost over £170,000 when new in 1998 before any bespoke options were considered.

Our vendor and her late husband ordered this delightful example early in the production run and it was delivered to them on the 'Glorious' 12th of August, 1998.  It has subsequently been fastidiously maintained by the supplying dealership, Michael Powell of Leicester, and more recently by her local Bentley dealership for sentimental reasons. This immaculate has covered a mere 5,967 miles but, regardless of cost, it has been serviced annually and the original grey book pack proudly displays 22 Service Stamps with further addendums.

This remarkable Bentley was specified from new in Silver Tempest, with a lovely Cotswold leather interior, enhanced by a Wildberry roll top, carpets, seat piping, steering wheel, gear lever, sun visors and lots of lovely Burr Oak veneers. Used only occasionally, for family weddings and the like, our vendor has decided that the need to downsize means 'head over heart' and the time has come to part with the family Bentley.

These cars represent the epitome of British luxury with enormous 'kerbside' appeal. It's difficult to imagine a vehicle that in terms of style, performance, looks and sheer presence offers better value for money and this astonishing example from one family ownership, with less than 6,000 miles, a full service history and on offer at 'No Reserve' seems to be a once in a lifetime opportunity.