Lot 235 - 2006 Bentley Arnage RL

• Cost £249,166 when new
• Exceptional specification
• Only 10,055 miles

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, England from 1998 to 2009, the Arnage and its Rolls-Royce sibling named the Silver Seraph, were introduced in the Spring of 1998 and were the first entirely new designs for the two marques since 1980 when the Silver Spirit and Mulsanne models were introduced. In 2001, the Arnage RL, a long-wheelbase model, was launched. The extra length was added to the car at its rear doors and its C-pillar. With the standard Arnage model, the rear wheel wells butt up against the rear door frames, but with the RL they are a few inches further back. The overall effect is a larger rear area inside the car. This style of saloon stretch is sometimes called 'double-cut' in the United States, due to the two main points where the car is extended. Available only as a bespoke ('Mulliner') model, each RL was customised to the desires of the buyer. The RL, however, was also the first of a new series which would finally cure the Bentley Arnage of the reliability and performance deficiencies experienced following its forced deprivation of the modern BMW engines it was designed to use. The RL's introduction saw the introduction of an entirely reworked version of the 6.75-litre, V8 engine. Where the engine used in the Red Label was a less-than-completely-satisfactorily modified version of the Turbo R's unit.

This rare and desirable Arnage RL or long wheel base is one of very few second generation Arnage's produced, this example rarer still and specified with the circa £7,000+ option for the limousine rear window which is smaller than the regular window. Supplied from new in the gentlemanly, understated colour combination of Beluga Black with Magnolia leather and with what appears to be every option on the list ticked when the car was ordered. The specification includes a DVD system to the rear which was an £18,085.11 option, electric glass sunroof to the rear at a cost of £7,268.09 and premium high-end audio system which was £6,165.96. Having covered only 10,055 miles from new this outstanding Bentley presents in exceptional condition throughout. With leather and burr walnut in abundance, the cabin area of an Arnage is exceptional. Whether driving or being driven, an example such as this Bentley is a memorable experience. This delightful Arnage RL cost £249,166 when new; taking into account the specification and mileage it certainly appears to offer exceptional value for money given the estimate.

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