1999 Bentley Azure

Registration No: D3 UUU
Chassis No: SCBZK15E9XCH61796
MOT: August 2026

• One of just 243 right-hand drive Azures produced from 1995 to 2003
• Offered having covered a modest 63,000 miles from new
• Nicely specified example including MPW interior
• Well maintained with some 13 stamps in the service book and documented service history totalling some £55,000 since 2004
• Benefitting from £15,750 expenditure in 2024 by marque specialists Phantom Motors of Kent

The first-generation Bentley Azure Convertible was conceived while the company was still under Vickers management and produced from 1995 to 2003. Débuting at the 1995 Geneva Salon, it was based on the platform of the highly successful Continental R, and combined the glamour of the company's early coachbuilt Drophead Coupés with modern-day technology and performance – a heady cocktail for those lucky enough to afford it. The car's presence was immense, born of the combination of automotive elegance and sheer size – the Azure was 210 inches long. Sculptured seats ensured optimal cosseting for up to four adults. It was the height of luxury. At the heart of the Azure, as of so many post-war Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, was the Group's mighty 6¾-litre OHV V8 engine complete with Garrett AirResearch turbocharger and Zytek EMS3 digital engine management. The unit drove through a General Motors-sourced four-speed automatic transmission. With some 400bhp on tap and in excess of 600lb ft of torque, the 0-60mph dash could be dispensed with in around six seconds, despite the car's generous all-up weight of 5,750 pounds. Speeds of up to 150mph were possible when allowed, doubtless without a ripple on a glass of Champagne. Suspension was independent front and rear with adaptive ride control. Final assembly of the model took place at the Rolls-Royce factory in Crewe.

Very elegantly finished in Silver Pearl with a Black hide interior and Black roof, this well-preserved and rare Azure – it is one of only 243 produced in right-hand drive – has had eight keepers and covered just 63,000 miles from new. It was built to an especially high specification with an ultra-luxurious Mulliner Park Ward (MPW) interior, and originally retailed through Straight Eight Motors in the New Forest. Some of the special interior features include the delightful burr walnut veneers with crossbanding and inlays on the dash, doors and centre console, plus different but complementary wood finishes for the gear knob and the steering wheel. The interior also contains dual-zone air-conditioning and has been fitted with a new Blaupunkt Valencia 200 DAB Bluetooth radio.

The Bentley has been extremely well-maintained throughout its life, as evidenced by its extensive service history – the service book contains 13 stamps, and invoices reveal £54,500 has been spent on servicing since 2004. Some extensive refurbishment was undertaken in 2024, when £15,750 was spent with Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist Phantom Motors. Recent expenditure has also included a new set of Michelin 255/55ZR17 tyres.

The Bentley’s recent owners have very much been enthusiasts, using it only sparingly. Its fourth owner kept it from 2008 to 2014 and its fifth from then until 2022. The seventh and eighth keepers were of the same family, and the car is only being offered for sale due to a bereavement. Besides the V5C, the extensive documents file also contains copies of the Bentley build records, the service book and many invoices showing how meticulously the car has been maintained by Bentley main dealers and marque specialists. Rated by the vendor as “very good” in most areas, this Azure is a fine specimen of one of the loveliest modern classics there is.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452