Bentley to fix rusty Arnage mascots

BENTLEY has recalled some of its most exclusive and expensive models to replace potentially rusty ‘Flying B’ bonnet mascots that could lead to additional injuries in the event of a pedestrian collision.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a product safety recall notice for a range of Arnage family models built between October 2006 and March 2009, on which the iconic Bentley bonnet mascot may not retract.

From top: Bentley Azure, Bentley Arnage, Bentley Mulsanne.



“On the vehicles affected there is the potential for the retractable ‘B’ mechanism to become corroded,” said the consumer watchdog on September 21. “In extreme cases, this may lead to (the) flying ‘B’ mascot not retracting when struck.”

It is understood a total of 12 Arnage-based vehicles are affected, including one Arnage RL, two Brooklands coupes, four Arnage Ts and five Azure convertibles.

Bentley says it will write to the owners of all affected vehicles, requesting they return the car to an official Bentley dealer for the mascot mechanism to be replaced with one of a “later design”, free of charge.

Some 596 Bentley cars are affected in North America by the worldwide recall.

"If the hood ornament does not retract, it could increase the risk of injury to a pedestrian in the event of a crash between the vehicle and the pedestrian," advises the website of the US-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

While the newer, smaller and soon-to-be-upgraded Continental (sedan, coupe and convertible) model is not affected, the big Arnage R ($531,500), Arnage T ($574,000) and range-topping Arnage RL ($631,100) were all discontinued in Australia in January.

They will effectively be replaced by the all-new Mulsanne limousine, which was designed and engineered under Volkswagen ownership and will arrive here in early 2011, priced at $695,000 drive-away.