The Azure was the successor to the Continental Convertible, which in itself replaced the Corniche. Like its predecessors, it was Bentley’s flagship model and transcends the gentlemanly luxury so typical of Bentley motor cars, acquiring a celebrity status in its own right. The Bentley Azure was the result of a collaboration between Bentley and Pininfarina over a two-year period which resulted in a four-seater convertible based on the Continental R platform being released to the public in March of 1995 at the Geneva Motor Show. The shell and soft top were built at Pininfarina’s Cambiano factory before the Azure completed assembly at Bentley’s Crewe factory. The Bentley Azure was produced from 1995 to 2003, this example is believed to be one of 112 built for 2001.

Underneath the bonnet, this Azure is powered by the Rolls Royce/Bentley 6.75-litre V-8 powerplant, fitted with an intercooled Garett turbocharger, it generates 385 hp. Despite the car’s kerb weight of over 2,600 kilograms the Azure was capable of achieving 0-60 in just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 160 mph, both respectable figures in period.

This Azure’s bodywork is finished in Magnolia, with a beige leather soft-top, complimented by a tan leather interior with biscuit carpets. The interior remains a truly inviting place to be. Outside, the paintwork is in good order, the electric soft-top remains fully functional and in great condition. The 17-inch chrome wheels glisten in the sunlight just as they did when this car left the factory in May 2001.

This colour scheme highlights the beautiful Pininfarina coachwork that transformed a Continental R shell into this beautiful two-door convertible, giving the Azure a refined presence on the road, whilst being able to comfortably seat four passengers.