Bentley Arnage Red Label Sports Saloon, 2000
Bentley Arnage I
Bentley Arnage I•
•125 views
Chassis No.: SCBLC32EXYCH05421
Estimate: £25,000 - £32,000 GBP
- Collectible modern Bentley
- circa 24,000 miles from new
- Full service history
- Present ownership since October 2017
Emphasising its racing heritage, Bentley Motors unveiled the new Arnage in April 1998 at La Sarthe circuit, home of the Le Mans 24-Hour Race and scene of its greatest triumphs in the 1920s. Bentley, together with parent company Rolls-Royce Motors, was in collaboration with BMW at this time, and the Arnage was the first Bentley to benefit from the Munich firm's engine technology in the form of an all-new 4.4-litre 32-valve twin-turbocharged V8 power unit. However, Bentley's subsequent acquisition by Volkswagen resulted in a partial
volte face
, with the 'old' 6.75-litre push-rod V8 being reintroduced on some models, beginning with the Arnage Red Label in 1999. The BMW-engined car lived on as the Green Label, while the Red Label boasted redesigned front suspension to cope with the heavier 'big block' engine, together with brakes of increased diameter. In addition, subtle alterations were made to the interior, resulting in 2" more legroom for rear seat passengers, while features that had previously been 'extras' (power-fold door mirrors, for example) were included as standard.
Despite its older and simpler engine, the Red Label amply demonstrated the truth of the old saying: 'there's no substitute for cubic inches', comfortably eclipsing its more-modern sibling in the horsepower stakes, producing 420bhp to the Green Label's 350. The larger engine's stupendous torque, available from idling speed upwards, made the Green Label's five-speed automatic transmission superfluous so the Red Label reverted to the four-speed auto 'box.
This wonderful Arnage Red Label comes with full Bentley service history up to October 2017 when it was purchased by the current vendor. Since then the Bentley has been maintained by Harwoods of Pulborough, who have carried out two services (in December 2017 and February 2019). Finished in silver with beige hide interior, this very well cared-for car is described by the private vendor as in superb condition in all respects. Accompanying documentation includes a V5C Registration Certificate, current MoT certificate, and the aforementioned service history.
