As one of 87 examples built in 1996,
the Bentley Azure was one of the most-exclusive cars in its day
This is the apex.
The end result of playing all the games and winning all the prizes. As the most expensive car in the world in 1996, the Bentley Azure was the choice of the famous, CEOs, and the world’s elite.
Conceived after the launch of the Continental R in 1995, Bentley commissioned legendary Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina to assist in modifying the coupe into a convertible.
Pininfarina, a vehicle builder renowned for its high-end chassis design and precision, was the ideal choice for this job. All Bentley Azures were first built in Italy, then shipped to England for final assembly, as noted on the kick panels.
Both the Continental and Azure were the first pair of bespoke-bodied Bentleys since the 1960s and the first that didn’t have a Rolls-Royce equivalent. With a 3.0-metre-long wheelbase sitting under a 5.3-metre hand-built body, it exudes class.
Powering the aerodynamic coupe is Bentley’s legendary 6.75-litre turbocharged V8. Tracing its roots back to the 1950s, this old-fashioned torque monster has become just as legendary as its bodywork.
Over the years it’s garnered a reputation as a bit of a workhorse, too. Known for functioning well past 300,000 km, its old-school nature makes it relatively simple to keep on the road.
Given its high price tag, only 87 right-hand drive Bentley Azures saw production in 1996. It was one of a handful ordered and delivered new to Japan by its sole licensed agent, Cornes Motors.
It is an exceptionally rare car globally and one of only 243 right-hand drive examples ever built over an eight-year production run.
The car pictured – 1996 Bentley Azure
This Bentley Azure was ordered new in Japan and delivered to its Tokyo-based owner in deep blue, complemented by a tan and deep blue accented leather interior.
The vehicle was kept by its original owner for its entire life before being sold via the Japanese car auction network in Tokyo. It was noted as having extensive and recent maintenance carried out.
It comes with its owner’s manual, logbooks, two keys and some service history. It presents in excellent condition for its age, both inside and out. The underside is corrosion-free, and all its electronics and functions work.
The 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 is still potent, and the GM four-speed automatic shifts crisply. Upon arriving in Australia, the vehicle will be comprehensively serviced by a leading marque specialist in Sydney.
Quick facts
- 1996 Bentley Azure
- Four-seat convertible
- One-of-87 right-hand drive models built in 1996
- One-of-243 right-hand drive examples ever built
- One-owner car with service history
- Recent maintenance conducted in Japan
- 6.75-litre V8 turbo
- Navy blue with a tan and navu blue accented interior
- Exceptional condition inside and out
- All functions working, including air conditioning
- A true modern classic – once the most expensive car in the world and a watershed moment for Bentley as brand
- Globally rare vehicle
- Vehicle will be comprehensively serviced by a leading marque specialist in Australia
- Vehicle comes with three-month NSW registration
- Vehicle comes with engineering compliance certificate
- Vehicles comes with NSW roadworthy
That V8 is the strong, slow-beating heart of the Continental R Mulliner and fundamental to its appeal all these years later. It’s a car with a monumental quality, arguably the ultimate expression of a line that can be traced right back to the late 1960s. A car of unique character. The full English.Evo Magazine, Peter Tomalin,
