Bentley Azure

Bentley has made itself anything but easy when configuring this 1996 Azure. Instead of ‘just’ putting the roof off, they made the top-class convertible heavenly beautiful. It took 10 years before our Azure got into the hands of its last owner. The last until now, because finally the car collector is prepared to say goodbye to his great British pride. This means that you’re in the drivers seat to own a truly special convertible with a super smooth 6.75 turbo V8, an extremely classy appearance and a 5.34 meter long carriage to put into motion. Recent service at Prins ensures that our Bentley Azure is 100% ready to make enchanting places such as the Côte d’Azur even a little more heavenly…

History
Generation 1 out of 2 of the Bentley Azure appeared back in 1995 and was based on the Continental R from that time. Unlike the GT, the convertible was designed by the Italian artist Pininfarina. And it shows it does. To give you an idea of the exclusivity of the Azure: ours was one of the 229 built in 1996. So you won’t come across another one anytime soon. Besides, the Azure on your screen was well hidden from the outside world for years, because your predecessor didn’t drive much in it for the past 18 (!) years. Fact is, when you collect cars, you have to make hard decisions every now and then… Now that the man has the age to make life easier, we can make someone else happy with the Bentley. And we certainly will, since the Azure technically is in the best shape.

Exterior
The visual part of the delicate British boss is also quite impressive. The anthracite lacquer underlines the unparalleled class of the Bentley Azure. Of course, you’ll certainly stand out with so much cachet and centimeters: the stretched bodywork is almost 5.5 meters in length. The stylish Pininfarina design is wide too, creating extra space for an imposing grille and clustered double headlight units at the front. Truly sophisticated is also the way in which the soft-top is smoothed out in open condition. Anyone who appreciates the details will very much enjoy how well thought out and refined Bentley’s absolute masterclass convertible is. And the best part is: it’s for sale too…

Interior
As soon as the electric roof folds neatly behind the 2+2 cockpit, you’re sucked in exclusive madness. The bi-color leather interior offers a dazzlingly beautiful contrast and is in extraordinary shape. The classic burr walnut wood finish on the striking dashboard and center/tunnel console is also incredibly attractive. Bentley chose to end the perforated black leather upholstery somewhere halfway along the backrests of the seats and continued with a light cream color, which has contrasting black piping. No, the only thing that is self-evident inside this Brit is the feeling of pure luxury. Exactly as Bentley intended with the Azure. What kind of classic can say that extensive electric seat adjustment including heating was always standard?

Technique & performance
Another way to experience the real Bentley feeling is to awake the 6.75-liter V8. This majestic 8-cylinder engine is just about as immortal as the style of JB’s 007. Speaking of British classics… The Azure has 390 PS to transfer to the rear axle and does so with worldclass flexibility. Linked to a 4-speed automatic transmission, the mammoth among the V8 engines appears anything but hasty. Which is completely fine, since there’s more than enough power. You can say a lot about the character of the Bentley Azure, but not that it’s streamlined. Still, a top speed of 241 km/h and a 0-100 km/h acceleration within 6.5 seconds is not bad for a car of this size and weight. By the way, it’s mainly the thought that the convertible is capable of doing it which makes it comfortable. Because we see an elegant exotic like this cruising along boulevards, not trying to prove himself on the highway. When will be your next visit to the Côte d’Azur?

Kind regards,
team Prins.