Last of the ‘old school’ Bentley saloons with its roots in the pre-Volkswagen era, the Arnage R was revised for a final time ahead of the 2007 model year.

A fitting swansong, these ‘last-of-the-line’ cars were praised by the contemporary motoring press for the enhanced driving experience they offered.

Updated with a new roller tappet system and lower inertia twin turbochargers, the venerable 6761cc pushrod OHV V8 engine developed a faintly ridiculous 450bhp and 645lbft of torque (matching the outputs of its more overtly sporting T sibling).

However, it was the adoption of ZF’s advanced 5HP30 six-speed automatic gearbox with state-of-the-art computer management and three transmission modes (Drive, Sport and Semi-Auto) which proved the real game changer.

New ‘Thin Film’ driver information display panels gave the dashboard a more contemporary look / feel, while other interior revisions comprised a Bluetooth integrated telephone system and sleeker gear lever surround.

More cosseting t...