Finished in elegant Forest Green Metallic over a beautifully presented cream leather interior with matching green dashboard and carpets, this Bentley Arnage is a wonderfully traditional expression of British luxury. Long, imposing and unmistakably Bentley, it comes from an era when a flagship motor car was as much about craftsmanship and occasion as outright performance.

This early example is from the original BMW-powered generation of the Arnage, before the introduction of the Green Label and Red Label designations. Its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 produces 349hp and 570Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels through a 5-speed ZF automatic transmission. Smooth, effortless and remarkably refined, the BMW-derived powertrain gives these early cars a character all their own.

Open the substantial door and the sense of occasion continues. Cream leather is paired beautifully with the green dashboard and carpets, while expanses of richly figured burr walnut veneer lend the cabin the warmth and atmosphere of a traditional gentleman’s club. Electrically adjustable memory seats, pop-up GPS navigation, an electric sunroof and rear air-conditioning complete the luxurious specification.

The car has also benefited from extensive maintenance over the years, including rebuilt front suspension arms and bushes, with service records available. With its particularly handsome colour combination and fascinating early specification, this Arnage offers something increasingly uncommon: the opportunity to enjoy a grand Bentley from an era of craftsmanship, character and wonderfully unapologetic luxury.