MEMBERS' CARS
Committee Member & Website Editor
WILL BATE
Bentley Arnage T - 2007
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Bentley Arnage T 2007
Reg: CU56 PYA
Colour: Silver Tempest
VIN: SCBLF45F87CH12254
Delivery date: 2007-01-24. Production Date 2006-12-19. Ordered by Bentley Essex, from now-defunct dealer Jardines.
Cost options: Arnage T Sports Combination (Level 2). Small Rear Window. Flying 'B' Radiator Mascot. 2 Hide Cocktail Compartments to Lower Front Seat Backs. Top Roll - Two-tone. Burr Oak Veneer. Veneered Picnic Tables. Wood & Leather Steering Wheel. DVD System In Rear Compartment With Screens to Front Headrests. TV Reception.
Non-Standard Features: Aluminium Inserts To Fascia 7 Waistrails.
Standard Features: Mulliner Inscription On Tread Plate. Diamond Quilted Seat Facings With Embroidered Bentley Marque Emblems. Diamond Quilted Door Trim. 2 Umbrellas To Luggage Compartment. Jewel Filler Cap. Main Hide - Magnolia. Secondary Hide - Slate. Seat Belts - Porpoise. Carpets - Granite. Shade Bank to Windscreen.
Powertrain: 19" Five Spoke Two-Piece Allow Wheels - Polished
V8 6.8L/500bhp (373Kw) 16V Twin Turbo. 98 Ltr Fuel Tank. Pirelli Tyres 255/45ZR 19" 104Y. Six-Speed Automatic Transmission. Short Suspension/Shock Absorption. Power-Assisted Speed Sensitive Steering. Quad Exhaust Tailpipes & Revised Rear Bumper.
History:
I purchased the car in June of 2017 from a specialist classic car dealer in Bodmin, Cornwall. The previous owner, who purchased the car in 2014 and owned it for 3 years had originally purchased this car from this dealer and 3 years later sold it back to them again. The previous owner ran a chain of pubs in and around Dartmoor. He kept the car in a heated garage, polished and looked after the car fastidiously. Prior to 2014, the car was owned by a fish merchant on the coast in the South West.
My Story:
In the summer of 2017, I purchased the Arnage T. The designer of the classic Arnage shape did apparently take inspiration from the Cloud and S type cars of the 1950s.
The car is a 2007 model which includes the last Arnage updates. Including a 6-speed auto box, 500bhp and 738lb/ft torque from the twin-turbo V8, 6.75 Litre. 0-60 comes up in just 5.2 seconds and the top speed is 179 mph. With mixed driving, the car typically returns 17mpg and can cover a distance of just under miles if driven with care. However, when driving around town, a return of 9mpg can be expected. The car runs on Super Unleaded.
The external colour is Silver Tempest with main interior trim in Magnolia and secondary trim of Slate. The car has several special factory fit features, two of which are the small rear window and two cocktail cabinets in the rear.
To date, the longest journey I have made in the car was a trip to the South of France.
2006 model year Bentley Arnage sales brochure
Bentley R Type - 1953
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Bentley R Type standard steel sports saloon, 1953.
Reg: SLG 137. Chassis No: B167UL.
Colour: Shell over Tudor Grey. Interior: St James Red Leather.
Powertrain: Automatic 4 speed. 6 Cylinder 4.6 Ltr.
History:
The car has been a part of my family about 1980. The first owner from 1953 to 1956 was Rolls-Royce. Back in 2013 I bought a 1/2 share in the car. m As a young boy, I grew up with this car and have fond memories of travelling in it as a boy.
As the car was run by Rolls-Royce for the first three years of its life, it benefitted from modifications added to later cars. She retains her original Crewe registration number.
Recent works have included a major re-spray in 2016. Engine work in 2018 when the head of the engine was removed for the first time since assembly in 1953, due to a worn exhaust valve. The engine work has made a big improvement in the performance of the car.
The longest trip I have made in the car was to the Isle of Wight and back. The car is four-speed automatic and is a real joy to drive. In most cases, parking the R type is easier than parking the Arnage T due to its smaller size. The lack of power steering assistance can be tricky if one is boxed into a tight space. On the plus side, having no power steering provides a wonderful sense of real connection to the road.
Bentley Continental GT 2004 (Sold Summer 2016)
Bentley Continental GT (SOLD)
Reg: W6 GTT
VIN: SCBCE63W44C021927
Year: 2004
Powertrain: W12 6 Litre 4 wheel drive.
History
This car was purchased new from Jack Barclay in London by a close friend. I purchased it from him in March 2015 and ran the car for about 18 months. I then leased a Mercedes S class and it wasn't long before I missed the GT.
The car suffered from water ingress problems at the front and rear, owing to it living outside. Even more modern cars need the care of a dry garage.
The car was air-sprung and was nice and comfy to drive. A fantastically quick and capable car.