2006 Bentley Arnage T 'Blue Train'

This Arnage Blue Train – one of just six made in right-hand drive – is distinguished by its chromed-effect 19-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels, sunroof, chrome radiator shell, chrome mirror caps and quad exhaust pipes. Both front and rear bumpers are designed specifically for this special edition, with a stainless-steel mesh added to the front bumper cooling ducts. To pay homage to the bonnet of the original ‘Blue Train’ Speed Six, vertical slatted vents (painted in body colour) have been added, behind the trailing edge of the front wheel arches.

The interior of this limited edition is equally distinctive. All instrument and dial faces are black, plus the centre console features subtle Bentley Blue Train badges. Meticulous Mulliner craftsmanship is evident in the waist rails, which contain chrome inlay with winged ‘B’ badges – there’s also bespoke ‘Blue Train’ embroidered headrests. Other special elements include the specification of the wood and hide steering wheel, additional wood veneer panels on the doors and contrasting piping to the seats. (Source classicdriver.com).

Stately is the word that best describes big Bentley saloons. They exude class and speed in equal measure; an intoxicating mix. This car’s blue hue is, of course, a nod to the locomotive that its Art Deco predecessor is supposed to have trounced. The finish is typically exquisite with the paint remaining in highly-reflective condition. There are a few small areas, however that giveaway the car’s 15-year age. Some stone chips and scuffs to the front valance for example, the worst of which are really low down or underneath. The chrome on the grille and the bonnet leading edge look good though.

Front and rear parking sensors are still present in the bumpers and, to the best of our knowledge, still provide distance guidance, as intended. Those mirror-like finished alloys are all shod in a mix of Pirelli P Zeros from 2015/16. The wheels still present very well though the nearside front has come a little too close to a kerb and some point, with some scuffs to its outer edge the inevitable result. There’s another tiny blemish to the paint on the nearside A post, and there’s some surface corrosion bubbling under the paint on the rear licence plate panel. Other than these slight imperfections, this Bentley still looks fighting fit.

The cabin opulence is what makes or breaks an old Bentley and we’re pleased to report that this one remains very firmly in the former camp. The special touches that denote the Blue Train are still present and correct and grab your attention right away. The 1930-2005 ‘Blue Train’ plaque on the sill kick plates for example, or yet another plaque in the centre console and let’s not forget those gorgeous stitched head rests. Seat hide and walnut caps are all in good shape and overall this interior is still more than capable of impressing; though just like the outside a few little minor bits are slightly less than perfect.

The switchgear is a bit dusty, and in a few places, grimy, with a tiny bit of damage to the walnut on the driver’s door card the only thing a deep clean can’t solve. There’s a couple of welcome surprises in the boot. Not only are there a pair of Bentley-branded umbrellas still in pride of place on the bulkhead rack, there’s also a complete bulb and tool kit under the carpet. Still in place, also in this foam tidy above the spare wheel are a first-aid kit, wheel chocks, a pair of gloves and even a warning triangle.

Of more day-to-day relevance are the stunning fold-down walnut rear picnic tables and the TVs in the back of the front seats. Oh, and front seat passengers haven’t been forgotten either, with a mobile phone in the centre console, cupholders and a pop-up display in the dashboard for the sat nav. Whichever end of this Bentley you plan on spending your time, all your needs are adequately covered.

We noticed a few cobwebs around this Arnage – especially underneath its running gear and also on the underside of the bonnet soundproofing – suggesting perhaps that it’s recently emerged from a period of time in storage? Beyond this, we also found surface corrosion on most of the major components underneath.

There are also the beginnings of what look like slightly more aggressive patches of corrosion to the back of the front subframe; just in front of the transmission sump (also showing corrosion). While this doesn’t appear to have reached a stage where it’ll require attention from a welder, it will get to that point if not treated immediately. We couldn’t find any leaks or weeps worth noting but the exhaust system was looking a bit tired around its joints.

There’s plenty to please in the history file of this special edition Bentley. Its seems to have spent the majority of its life in the care of Bentley Surrey, with invoices for annual servicing and other maintenance beginning at the fifth-year service (in 2011) and continuing right up to the eleventh (in 2018).

One of the many large bills is for a scarcely believable £3050.92 for the replacement of front brake discs and pads in 2018. Bentley Surrey (Broughtons) was also trusted to swap out the automatic transmission fluid – with another mammoth bill of £2695.20 from 2017 to prove it. There’s too much to list here but rest assured, in excess of £10k has been spent simply maintaining this fine Arnage.

Bentley is all about history, or pedigree if you prefer. The brand can trace its roots back to the halcyon days of the roaring ’20s when feats of daring do were two a penny. This very rare special edition (one of just six in RHD remember) commemorates one of the best known and most romantic tales from that era.

The brand might have come a long way, but it hasn’t forgotten where it’s come from and neither have its fans. Therefore, this near unique opportunity to own a slice of that illustrious past is surely worthy of our estimate of between £40,000 and £50,000.

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