Bentley sold 314 vehicles in the United States for 1998 (23 more than the previous year). The Azure was the company's most expensive model, selling for $339,900. Power was from a 90-degree, overhead-valve turbocharged engine producing 385 horsepower. The car had a four-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel disc brakes. The wheelbase measured 120.5-inches and had a length of 210.3-inches.
by Dan Vaughan
Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: SCBZK14C2WCX61554
This Bentley Azure is number one in a limited series of just ten California Edition models produced. It currently shows just 23,200 original miles on the odometer. The factory wide body convertible was designed by Pininfarina and was brought into existence by Mulliner Park Ward. Power is supplied from a 6.75-liter Mulliner Turbo V8 engine that was factory rated for 385 horsepower at 4,000 RPM and 553 lb-ft of torque. This was accomplished with the help of a single low-pressure turbocharger with intercooler and Zytek engine management system. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. This convertible has speed-proportional power steering, 4-wheel ABS-equipped ventilated disc brakes, and an independent suspension setup.
This Bentley is finished in silver and is equipped with side and hood vents. Factory fender flares enclose the five-spoke chrome wheel and tire package. Inside, there is a two-tone silver with light and dark gray leather interior with Bentley emblems embossed into the head rests. Wood veneer surrounds a sport tachometer and speedometer on the dash and center console and leather wraps the tilt-adjustable steering wheel. Luxury features include power windows with power remote mirrors, trunk release and door locks for push-button convenience and an 8-speaker stereo system.
The Azure can race from zero-to-sixty miles per hour in just 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 150 miles per hour.
by Dan Vaughan
Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: SCBZK14C4WCX61622
The Drophead Bentley Azure was one of the most powerful cars of its era. It was based on the Bentley Continental R and received styling by the Italian coachbuilder, Pininfarina. The body shells were assembled in Italy by Pininfarina, fitted with the automatic soft-top, painted and shipped to the United Kingdom for finishing at the Bentley factory at Crewe. Bentley proclaimed that the Azure was 'the world's best convertible.'
Production continued until 2003 with a total of 1,321 Azures built.
This particular example is finished in British Racing Green with a magnolia interior. The current owner acquired the car about a decade ago with about 27,000 miles on its odometer. A further 5,000 miles have been put on the car since that time.
by Dan Vaughan
Luxurious, desirable, distinguished - the Azure is a thoroughbred Bentley. Steeped in heritage, yet, unquestionably a convertible for the twenty-first century. Never demanding attention, yet always receiving it.
Since the 1920s, Bentley has been producing remarkable, sporting Drophead Grand Tourers that radiate sophistication and elegance.
In the Azure, the spirit and excitement of every Bentley convertible throughout the decades is revived for the 21st century. From the elegance of the S1 Continental Park Ward, the spectacular lines of the 70's Corniche, through to the glamour of the original Azure.
The new Azure is a unique combination of living heritage, exhilarating performance and handcrafted refinement.
Azure
Thundering through the 1990s, the original Bentley Azure reset the expectations of every arbiter of style.
Exquisitely styled by famed Italian designer, Sergio Pininfarina, the Azure has now ascended to genuine iconic status. Becoming a byword for luxury and style, the Azure carried its handsome lines with an irrepressible glamour.
The beauty of the Azure is immediate. A sculptured masterpiece with unique styling, advanced technology and unashamed glamour – all in a contemporary style.
Convertible
The automated seven-bow roof slips effortlessly away to reveal a convertible without equal.
Down, the roof and its mechanism are completely and automatically stowed beneath a hide-trimmed tonneau cover. Up, the Azure's three-layer canvas roof provides superlative sound and temperature insulation.
The new Azure is a unique blend of heritage and modern technology, completed by traditional Bentley touches.
The laser-cut stainless steel grille, the distinctive twin headlamps, and the high waist-line that symbolize the timeless and classic Bentley design. All rounded off with the black winged 'B' badge, confirming the heritage and Bentley bloodline.
Styling
The Azure has an elegant, fluid silhouette with a high waist line, low roof, and fine sporting line.
Its raked windscreen adds contemporary style to an elegant frame.
Luggage
Give yourself the room to roam. This unrivaled convertible features a large luggage area that complements the overall spaciousness of the design. Room enough even for two golf bags...
The Azure's convertible roof stows into its own separate compartment. This means that roof up, or roof down, the Azure's excellent luggage capacity is unaffected.
Performance and Control
The Azure is powerful in a way that only a Bentley can be. State-of-the-art engineering ensures an effortless, yet exhilarating drive – safe, powerful, comfortable. Bentley's legendary V8 engine provides stunning performance with peerless refinement; a unique combination that puts the Azure beyond compare.
by Bentley
by Bentley