Built in the famous Sindelfingen factory reserved only for the most special Mercedes-Benz motorcars the 220SEB is certainly a special motorcar. Only 192 RHD examples were ever produced making them exceedingly rare things. AFM is perhaps one of the best examples of those 192 cars anywhere in the world. The subject of a total nut and bolt restoration completed circa 10 years ago she has since lived in the collection of a very meticulous owner. Always garaged, never driven in inclement conditions, premium petrol only sir, the finest waxes, polishes and cloths et al. All this fine care and attention does really show, not only in the photographs herein but also on closer inspection where she stands up superbly well and would no doubt be a show winner should those trilby hat & pressed chino wearing judges cast their scrutineering gaze over her on any concourse lawn in the land. Naturally there is a substantial file documenting the restoration process, complete with photographs to boot (all available upon request). The specification is suitably classic and understated, the leather is beyond supple and save for one minor scratch on the side of the drivers seat totally unmarked. The wood veneers too are in superb condition. As one would expect she drives perfectly. Supplied with a fresh engine service and MoT.
Presented here is one hell of a motorcar
Adorably pretty whilst with the wider arches and Alpina wheels she manages to generate a genuinely strong presence as well
Inspiration for the arches was taken from the Turbo version of the model however in this cars case she was taken back to bare metal with the bespoke arches then fabricated and welded onto the car
On the Turbo models they are rather crudely riveted to the body, making this a truly unique design feature - and a jolly costly one too!!
The Alpina wheels not only giver her a much more appealing look but together with the new suspension a far more solid road holding
She's surprisingly fast too, the engine having been totally rebuilt. Using only OEM parts of course
When new these super little sports cars were quoted as producing 130bhp, that in a car weighing less than a ton meant they always were spirited little nippers and our car here is most certainly a tip top example
The infamous Kugelfischer fuel injection system has been expertly tuned meaning that her power is both reliable and usable. Cold starting with no choke and no problem, running in hot London traffic without a fuss and always ready for a burst of acceleration whenever commanded
Although this car has not been on a rolling road she feels as fast as you like and would certainly return a figure if not equal to the originally quoted 130bhp then slightly more
The new free flowing exhaust helps the engine to breath better as well, with the most superb soundtrack of any four pot engine I've encountered
I'd wager that the first person to drive this car will buy it immediately after...
Much more besides has been added to her, the famous EZ power steering system with adjustable knob just to the left of the steering column, new BT stereo and speakers, freshly re-trimmed seats with perforated leather, new front and rear screens & seals, everything down to fitting new locking barrels to the doors so they operate smoothly where so ofter one might find a sticky locking mechanism on a classic car here its like a Banham lock on a million dollar home
All invoices and photographs are included in the biblical history file and available upon request
A perfect summer sports car on the button and ready to go
These early Green Label Arnage Bentley's are often criminally overlooked in favour of the later red label cars.
Naturally the architecture of a having the BMW derived 4.4L V8 is the reason for such biases however the engine is a great unit and provides the owner with a far more economical alternative to the 6.75L V8 most of the cars have
First released with the BMW unit and originally intended for it, I am of the opinion that its a super combination for a variety of reasons and have therefore owned a few of these Green Label cars myself.
The BMW engine is a superb lump, having rightly earned a reputation for being more reliable than the Bentley alternative. Servicing costs too are a fraction of what one encounters on the red labels. As mentioned above they are a lot more economical to run as well, largely thanks to the twin-turbo set up which also allows the car to cruise between 70-80mph and barely break sweat.
Of course one must still adhere to the ubiquitous rule when buying Bentley’s.. It has to have been well cared for and properly serviced in order to be a truly worthy example of the marque. Naturally this example is one such car, as well cared for and presented an Arnage as I have ever come across, red or green.
She sits in her completely original and unmolested specification with some nice factory optional extras like the hand painted twin fine lines, electric sunroof and sundym glass adding a little extra to this already fine example.
Supplied new through Jack Barclay’s of Berkley Square I should think that given the year of her production and initial sale date my dear Father must have overseen her original delivery.
She comes complete with two keys, her original tool kit and full service history stamped in the book accompanied by the original owners manual full bookpack and sales brochure. In 2023 a great deal of work was done overhauling the suspension in addition to the routine annual servicing being completed as well.
She has just had a full engine, oil & filter service completed by our team, we put new wiper blades on as well. When we bought her the radio wasn't working properly so as well as fitting a new aerial at the service we had our friends at AutoAudio fit a spanking new retro looking Blaupunkt Stockholm head unit that integrates seamlessly into the slot and is equipped with all necessary modern accoutrements like DAB, bluetooth & USB connectivity.
With only 1 previous owner, excellent spec, a full service history and lovely low mileage she ticks all the right boxes whilst also having the benefit of a fresh service and new radio ensuring she is totally on the button for her next owner.
The baby Aston as these wonderful little sports cars were first christened. If that is to be true then forget the chubby cheeked cherished little angel, red faced, soft skinned and adorable.
No this is the terror that steals a fiver out of your wallet when your backs turned then throws you a knowing look as they've gotten away with the crime. Almost annoyed with its un asked for nick name, the baby Aston is an easily tameable fighter.
Shouting rudely from its twin exit exhausts, loudly too when prompted the car is fast and fun but not actually that fast. Not really, but that makes her all the more run to chase round corners, up passes and through valleys.
Most are sadly boring in a wide range of grey, like businessmen's suits. But ours is resplendent in the very rare Ghillies Green with Kestrel Tan interior and optional 7 spoke painted alloys.
Most importantly, almost essentially, she's a 6 speed manual with a short throw in the lever and true feel through the pedal. A proper sports car!
Complete with the original Aston Martin service book and owners manual inside of which we find main dealer stamps up to 2015 followed by specialists thereafter. The most recent of which 2,000 miles ago in 2024 completing an engine and rear brake service.
Two keys as well.
Mega thing and easily the best value example available.