"The Bentley Arnage was launched in 1998, a large luxury saloon car that replaced the previous Bentley Turbo saloon. Built by Bentley Motors in Crewe, from 1998 to 2009, the Arnage and its Rolls-Royce sibling named the Silver Seraph, were introduced in the Spring of 1998. They were the first entirely new designs for the two marques since 1980 when the Silver Spirit and Mulsanne models were introduced. In 2002, Bentley updated the Red Label as the series two Arnage R. This model was launched to contrast the Arnage T, which was developed to be a sportier variant. The Arnage R was the more elegant alternative although performance was hardly compromised. Featuring two Garrett T3 turbochargers fitted to the 6.75 litre V8 engine which produces 450bhp and 875nM, capable of launching this magnificent Bentley from 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds. Bentley quote the Arnage R as being an unrivalled example of the Grand Touring philosophy, making every journey a unique experience of power, luxury and control. A place where two very different worlds are perfectly united. Tradition and technology in absolute harmony.
This excellent Bentley Arnage R was purchased by the world-renowned artist Damien Hirst as a gift for his long-term friend, accountant and financial advisor who was the business brain behind his multimillion-pound career. Supplied by Jack Barclay on the 26th June 2008 for the sum of £182,500 it features a rare ‘Hooper’ style rear window, designed to give added privacy to the rear occupants but also lending the back of the car a more elegant line. A rear fridge, rear knee rolls, walnut picnic tables and cream dials were among the options. This is one of the last Arnage R’s and the closest to ‘new’ in condition as you might hope to find on the market today. It has been in the same family and has only covered 16,700 miles from new, confirmed by the service book which shows no less than fifteen Bentley main dealer stamps, eight of which were completed within the last 1000 miles covered! The last Bentley service and MoT was carried out on 31st May 2022 and it has just been fitted with two new batteries. Finished in the stunning colour combination of Black Sapphire (very dark midnight blue) with Linen (light cream) leather interior piped in Windsor Blue. This Arnage R is supplied with a V5 registration document, an MoT test certificate, the service book and a follow-on service book showing the service history and confirming the mileage and the original Jack Barclay order form. A unique opportunity to buy the last of its breed, low mileage, faultless history and an interesting provenance.
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