2001 Bentley Azure Convertible

The Bentley Azure made its début to genuine applause in front of a very appreciative, invited audience at the Geneva Motor Show in 1995. Based on the Continental 'R' platform, it was a protracted two years in development, and Bentley essentially shared the process with Carrozzeria Pininfarina who had a long history of creating beautiful two-door convertibles. Pininfarina built the shell and the substantial powered soft-top at their factory in Italy with final assembly being carried out by Bentley in Crewe. These are large cars seating four adults in superb comfort and emanate presence and style, however, remarkably the sheer size of the Azure is disguised by its beautiful flowing lines and the car appears well-proportioned and elegant.

Power came from the company's dependable 6.75 litre V8, featuring a single inter-cooled Garrett turbocharger and produced in the region of 385 bhp. With a 0-60mph time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 150mph, the Azure was a very quick car given its size and weight. The combination of power and refinement was a potent one and the Azure was unquestionably a very exclusive motor car and priced accordingly, with potential buyers having to apply the Montblanc to their little grey Coutts cheque books to the tune of around £230,000. From 1999 onwards the model was available at considerable extra cost with 'Mulliner Trim' which encompassed a number of options allowing customers to create their own, individual Azure.

Supplied new by Jack Barclay in 2001, Y327 BHO was ordered with a number of boxes ticked on the Mulliner list including, a Continental 'T' wide body, larger alloy wheels, embroidered marque emblems on the headrests and Bentley emblems on the rear wood cappings. The vendor, who has owned this very special Bentley since 2004, informs us that the indicated mileage of just under 19,000 is warranted and is supported by both the car's service history and earlier MOT certificates. The Peacock Blue paintwork retains its deep shine with beautifully crafted flat panels and superb shut lines from front to back. The Sandstone Leather interior is nothing short of a delight, with its classic, bulls-eye air conditioning vents, gleaming sill plates, silk-smooth hide, deep carpets, and lambswool over rugs, and is a lavish display of outstanding quality and craftsmanship. Spend some time in here and it would be difficult not to feel just a little bit pleased with yourself.

Sold with a fresh MOT, the original supplying dealer hand pack is complete with all the original paperwork and booklets.

There can be no more stylish way for four people to arrive anywhere, and with less than 20,000 miles covered and at a guide that is about a third of its new cost, this delightful example of Crewe's finest craftsmanship deserves consideration.