More than just a Bentley classic, the Bentley Arnage is one of Bentley's most significant models in the company's illustrious history. It not only set a path for the Bentley Flying Spur and later revived Mulsanne, but it also conveyed an air of sophisticated understatement as the four-door flagship of the Bentley range, according to Bentley, during its production span, which began in 1998 for the 1999 model year. It was the definitive luxury car of its time, with Bentley boldly claiming that the Bentley Arnage enjoyed extraordinary success at the pinnacle of the luxury saloon (sedan) market. It was even more preferred than the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, which it shares underpinnings with. Eager to know how many examples were made? This 1999 Bentley Arnage review has that and more in stock for you.
The Arnage corner, now known as the Indianapolis, at the Le Mans circuit is hailed as an achilles heel for all the drivers and also the slowest turn of the circuit, yet it's just a simple right-angle corner. In the past and now, it has been one of the most suitable shooting spots for photographers and viewing points for spectators. And, as you may have guessed, it's this very corner that inspired the Bentley Arnage naming. Evoking the racing heritage in the name, Bentley unveiled the Arnage in 1998 at the very Le Mans circuit, where the British marque had achieved five legendary victories between 1924 and 1930 the Le Sarthe Circuit. It went under production that same year, and since Bentley was under Volkswagen's and BMW's co-ownership, the 1999 Bentley Arnage was initially made with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter BMW V8. Bentley later switched to a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 in two variants shared with the Rolls Royce Silver Seraph, one used between 1999 and 2006 and the other from 2006 to 2010 when the Arnage was discontinued. Its production run at Bentley's plant in Crewe, England, saw approximately 7,300 examples made, 1123 of which were made 1999 Bentley Arnages, each a statement of the British automaker's commitment to performance, refinement, and exquisite artistry.
With a BMW-sourced powerplant underneath, the 1999 Bentley Arnage wasn't so well received, considering Bentley's targeted customers were enthusiasts and long standing customers. Nonetheless, the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, was good for around 344 horsepower and 450 lb.ft, enough to carry the Bentley Arnage's 5,282-pound weight. But despite its mammoth weight, 0-60 is estimated to have taken around 6.5 seconds, with acceleration topping out at 150 mph. Supporting its weight, the Bentley Arnage got an electronically controllable suspension that could transform the car's character on the fly, seamlessly transitioning from a smooth cloud-like ride to a more dynamic, spirited ride experience, proving that elegance and agility could co-exist.
Enclosed within the Bentley Arnage's cabin is an opulent embrace of fine leather beautifully complemented by polished wood and chrome bits that create an environment of timeless elegance. There's literally no surface that isn't covered by wood or leather, including the doors and dashboard, which hosts a myriad of clock face dials that add a touch of classic beauty. The clear layout of the dials with well-defined lines and numbers creates a visual clarity that adds to the overall elegance of the interior. Sure, the view of the dials, chrome, and wood is appeasing from the front seat, but the true haven of luxury in the 1999 Bentley Arnage lies within the rear seats. It wasn't designed to be purely a chauffeured car, but the seat design's attention to detail is exceptional. The bolstering is thick enough to embrace you like a hug, and the seat padding will have you wafting off in slumber in the cabin's quiet ambiance.
Today, the Bentley Arnage might not be the flashiest sedan, but it possesses a timeless elegance that resonates with those who appreciate the understated visual appeal of classic cars. Reminiscent of Bentley's classic designs, it has a long silhouette featuring seamless flowing body lines and a gently sloping roofline. Upfront, the old Bentley grille sits, imposing an unmistakable presence and flanked by dual headlights on each side. Some examples got Bentley's Flying B hood mascot, which, according to Bentley, embodies effortless power and speed and announces arrival in style, all qualities that the 1999 Bentley Arnage has.
Being a luxury sedan, the 1999 Bentley Arnage prioritized passenger comfort with a range of luxurious amenities. All seats feature integrated heating elements warmth, while the front seats have electric motors for customizable, on-the-fly adjustments based on driving preferences. Electrification extends to power windows, door locks, and central locking. While the exact type of window glass and sound-deadening measures remain unclear, the Arnage offers a surprisingly quiet cabin, even with partially open windows. Also enhancing passenger comfort is multi-zone air conditioning, which is available not only in the front row but also in the second row. Not much could be done to enhance driving confidence on the road in the 1990s, resulting in a scarcity of comprehensive safety and driver assist features in cars of that era. The 1999 Bentley Arnage, for instance, typically included only four-wheel ABS and electronic stability control in its list of driver assist features, along with dual front airbags as the primary safety measures, according to most sources. However, you can expect some more, considering Bentley's longstanding tradition of innovation and generosity with their offerings.
There's a variety of luxury sedans that you can get for between $20,000 and $30,000 or less, but there are a few, like the 1999 Bentley Arnage. Its pedigree as a Bentley undoubtedly elevates its desirability, and if you were looking for a sign to buy one, consider this a resounding endorsement. However, it's not the type of classic you buy expecting it to appreciate, as its production numbers don't suggest any appreciation in value. It's the type of car you buy to savor timeless luxury. If this review has convinced you to buy one, Exotic Car Trader has the perfect Bentley Arnage examples for sale. As you decide which one fits your preferences, you can also check out Bentley listings if you resonate with the marque and hope to add another Bentley in your garage in the future.
The 1999 Bentley Arnage, despite initial controversy over its BMW-sourced engine, carved a new niche for Bentley luxury sedans. Its distinctive design combined classic Bentley elements with a hint of modernity, while the spacious, meticulously crafted interior provided unparalleled comfort for drivers and passengers. So, if you're seeking a car that exudes timeless elegance, could the 1999 Bentley Arnage be the perfect fit for you? Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! Through its evolution, the Bentley Arnage proved to be more than just a luxury sedan. It was a testament to Bentley's unwavering dedication to blending their racing heritage with innovation, ultimately solidifying its place amongst the elite of luxury sedans.
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