Bentley Arnage T Mulliner: PH Carpool
If you're going to live where the petrol is cheaper than water why wouldn't you run a 6.75-litre Bentley?
Car: 2009 Bentley Arnage T Mulliner
Owned since: 2012
Previously owned: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Location: Dubai, UAE
"Cannot beat the hand built by the finest British craftsmen thing. I fell in love with the small plaque adorning the engine bay with the signature of the foreman. I fell in love with the nuclear power station residing in the engine bay and all of the 500 ponies it houses. I fell in love with the 1,000 torques and the way it seems to fold tarmac and warp space around you when you accelerate. I absolutely adore the level of finish and meticulous effort it took to put it together. The last of the truly British Bentleys. Rule Britannia!"
What I wish I'd known:
"Like my previous 'hand built in Britain' it has had some gremlins so perhaps I should have paid more attention during the test drive, but those cars are bought with love and emotion and not with common sense. I wish I also knew that almost no one does any 'tuning' bits for it. A shame, I had such plans..."
"The experience begins when you step into the garage; the enormous lump of silver metal appears to be a solid block, albeit sculpted by the most skilled craftsmen to beautifully show off the subtle curves and lines. Opening the doors reveals acres and acres of top quality leather and polished black veneer only rivalled by the smoothness of the main mirror of the Hubble telescope while the satisfying shimmer of 'Mulliner' on the door sill catches your eye.
"Ignition lights up all the clocks and dials in a subdued orangey glow and instantly you get the feeling that you're in a cockpit of a jet rather than a car. Pushing the start button further reinforces that feeling when one of the largest engines ever fitted to a production car wakes up. Taking their first gulp, all eight cylinders take their share of six and three-quarter litres of premium unleaded whilst the petrol gauge twitches nervously.
"Driving around you forget about the massive weight and sheer size of the car. You can go around corners at 60, you can happily chase supercars, you can race sports cars off the light and embarrass the lightweight, more agile 'modern' motors. It truly is an exceptional machine. Rule Britannia!"
Things I hate:
"Putting miles on it.... I wish I could drive without the clock counting. I also wish I could find a tuning company to help me with few really tiny 'improvements' I had in mind."
"Not cheap by any standards. Since the previous owner lost interest in regular maintenance (although she does have full factory service history) my first invoice was equivalent to my two-month salary! Since then, not a peep though!"
Where I've been:
"Daily driver, comes with me to the office every day. Been on few longer journeys to Muscat in Oman (six-hour drive) and the Northern Emirates (three-hour drive); very relaxing and enjoyable. Participated in the record-breaking Dubai Supercar Parade 2014."
What next?
"Will not sell if I can help it, just let her go to sleep in a warm cocoon for my kids (when I have some) to take to shows. Next on the list, in keeping with the 'hand built in Britain' is Morgan Aero 8."
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
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I've actually always been a fan of all things lightweight and precise, but with that said I've also always had a soft spot for this particular Bentley too. When the Continental GT first appeared (in the driveways of football players) my heart sank a little as I was convinced that proper Bentleys were on their way out. Fortunately that's not the case as the Mulsanne is very much the spiritual successor to what you've just invested in. I love that it's a just a meaty slab of pure torque and hand crafted British style and quality. Unapologetic in its form, and superior in its substance.
I hope you enjoy the Bentley experience as I'm sure you will.
Sir, I salute you!
If not then
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
Phib
Listed under Weight and Capacities.
http://www.clivesutton.co.uk/carsavailable/bentley...
You'd think twin tanks would make more sense...
Full of stuff I'd rather find in a house.
I had the pleasure of a trip in one of these for as a best man on the way to the church. The Arnage T can certainly lift up it's skirt when required. The interior was a work of art. They're certainly an experience.
Listed under Weight and Capacities.
http://www.clivesutton.co.uk/carsavailable/bentley...
You'd think twin tanks would make more sense...
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